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Jordie Barrett returns for the Hurricanes while Vince Aso gears up for 50th match

Jordie Barrett and Vince Aso. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

Vince Aso will play his 50th game of Super Rugby as the Hurricanes get ready to face the Blues at Sky Stadium on Saturday.

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The Wellington-based Super Rugby team has made just two changes to its starting line-up, following a massive 62 – 15 win against the Sunwolves in Napier.

Jordie Barrett coming back into the fold as fullback will be the only change made to the backline.

Up front, Isaia Walker-Leawere gets the nod at lock ahead of James Blackwell who will start the game on the bench.

Head coach Jason Holland says management is spoilt for choice when it comes to selection.

“We have a competitive squad, with a lot of depth. When we sit down early in the week to discuss the line-up, we’re always faced with a challenge around who we pick and it’s natural that one or two will be disappointed.”

Continue reading below…

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TJ Perenara will once again take the role of captain, with Dane Coles named in the side but on the bench.

Kobus Van Wyk has his second chance to shine at right wing, after a triumphant debut which saw him score three tries last weekend.

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His strength and speed are things Holland hopes to utilise this weekend.

“If we can get our attacking game operating like it was last week, it should be quite an exciting game to watch. We cannot underestimate the Blues. They have some big boys up front and their defensive capability is solid. “

The first NZ derby clash this week, coincides with the theme of Mana Moana – a celebration of Pacific and Maori culture alongside players past and present.

Du’Plessis Kirifi, says it makes being selected to start as flanker even more special.

“We’ve had some tough games but there’s nothing like playing another NZ team. They’re big, they’re physical and there’s a lot on the line each time we step on the field. It’s an added bonus knowing we’ll be celebrating our Pacific and Maori culture this week as well. I Can’t wait to run out under those lights in the yellow jersey.”

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The fans will also be treated to cultural performances, lei giveaways, moko painting and other Maori and Pacific celebrations.

Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Kobus van Wyk, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Fletcher Smith, TJ Perenara, Gareth Evans, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Vaea Fifita, Scott Scrafton, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Tyler Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Reserves: Dane Coles, Pouri Rekete-Stones, Alex Fidow, James Blackwell, Devan Flanders, Jamie Booth, Billy Proctor, Wes Goosen.

– Hurricanes Rugby

WATCH: Hurricanes coach Jason Holland answers from RugbyPass fans on Sky Sport NZ’s The Breakdown.

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JD 1 hour ago
Steve Borthwick urged by predecessor to make radical Ben Earl decision

Happy to concede I mis read stats in relation to games played. Sorry about that.


Ojomoh is only a guaranteed starter when Redpath isn’t injured for Bath. Luckily for him Redpath is has been quite injury prone recently, but when Cam is fit, he starts. I like him, but he doesn’t have the second playmaker ability which England seem to prefer at 12.


Seb has not even made the A’s squad and is a long way from a call up. 2 years is too soon.


I’m not going to change my mind in respect of BJVR, mainly because I do not see his age as an issue (30 at the next world cup) and because I don’t see the issue with selecting players who are qualified for our country.


He fits the bill perfectly in terms of his skillset and type of play, he has been playing at the top level of club rugby for the last 6 years or so and is regarded as one of the best in our league in his position, starting week in/ week out for the second placed team.


If he was 33 or so at the next world cup, or if his form went off a cliff, I would agree with you. Neither of these are the case. If his form continues, he comes into the squad. No pressure to immediately excel as there will be around 10 games between a potential first cap and the WC.


Main mistake being made, regardless of the above, is SB persisting with Slade. Why not give Ojomoh a go now and see? Why not try Dingwall? Steve’s run of poor results mean he has slightly lost the ability to try different things unless we get some wins. I expect Ojomoh to tour Argentina in the summer though.

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S
Spew_81 2 hours ago
'He wants players to be able to play four positions': Former All Black critiques Robertson's strategy

I’m not making it up regarding to Hansen’s intentions for the 10 jersey for the All Blacks in regards to McKenzie.


Lima Sopoaga retired in 2020.


McKenzie started in the third All Blacks vs France test in Dunedin in 2018. Hansen started McKenzie at 10 and put Mo’unga on the bench: Damian McKenzie's 24 point game! + Rieko Ioane hat trick: All Blacks vs France 2018 » allblacks.com.


Or see this article just before the match: Damian McKenzie takes hold of All Blacks No 10 jersey while Richie Mo’unga looms large | Stuff.


Damian is coming along nicely," Hansen told All Blacks TV. "He has shown he can play genuine test rugby as a fullback and the other night he put in a good stint at first-five for us.”


Hansen was giving Mo’unga a raw deal at the same time:


Hansen has indicated that Mo'unga will get a decent amount of game time, despite missing out on a starting spot. "Richie will get his shot off the bench,” said Hansen. "He has a strong ability to drive the team when he has been given an opportunity, so we are extremely confident he can do the job."


Mo’unga only got a real look in when McKenzie got badly injured and couldn’t make RWC 2019.


Hansen wanted B Barrett at 10 and saw McKenzie as the next option with Mo’unga in third place, in case of injury.


Cruden was playing Top 14 from 2017-2019, so he was fit enough to play at a high level. A an experienced 10 who was a game manager, who worked well with SBW could’ve been useful.


Regarding the Board. They were right to give Hansen the freedom to try his ideas. He was very successful. The All Blacks looked awesome against Ireland in the RWC 2019 quarter final. They were unprepared to play England in the semi though. It was more the Board installing Foster as the coach, and not removing him after two seasons, that was the Board’s error. The repercussions of that are still being worked through.

65 Go to comments
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