All Black first five returns for Hurricanes to face Highlanders

All Black first five-eighth Brett Cameron will make his return from injury after a seven month long stint on the sidelines when the Hurricanes take on the Highlanders in round 14.

Cameron has been named on the bench in the No.22 jersey for his first game of the season, with Ruben Love retaining the starting role this week. Dynamic fullback Callum Harkin has been named at fullback.

After a record-breaking four-try haul against the Chiefs off the bench, Bailyn Sullivan has been named on the right wing after scans revealed Kini Naholo will be out for the season. Ngane Punivai has moved to the left wing from the right to replace him.

The dynamic midfield partnership of Riley Higgins and Billy Proctor remains unchanged after the pair have dominated since returning from injury.

A new backrow combination has been named with DuPlessis Kirifi moving to the bench to make way from Peter Lakai at openside. Braydon Iose gets his chance in the No.8 jersey while co-captain Brad Shields will play blindside.

Up front Xavier Numia returns to the front row, while Tevita Mafileo returns to the bench.

Fresh off the bye week, which was reported in the media as ‘perfect timing’ as the side battled a Covid outbreak, the Hurricanes are surging to claim a playoff spot. They currently sit in sixth place but face pressure from Moana Pasifika and the Waratahs for the final playoff berth.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

5

Draws

0

Wins

0

Average Points scored

36

17

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

60%

Hurricanes team to play the Highlanders: 

1. Xavier Numia
2. Asafo Aumua (Co-Captain)
3. Pasilio Tosi
4. Zach Gallagher
5. Isaia Walker-Leawere
6. Brad Shields (Co-Captain)
7. Peter Lakai
8. Brayden Iose
9. Cam Roigard
10. Ruben Love
11. Ngatungane Punivai
12. Riley Higgins
13. Billy Proctor (Co-Captain)
14. Bailyn Sullivan
15. Callum Harkin

Impact

16. Raymond Tuputupu
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones
18. Tevita Mafileo
19. Will Tucker
20. Du’Plessis Kirifi (Co-Captain)
21. Ereatara Enari
22. Brett Cameron
23. Fatafehi Fineanganofo