Kirifi named for 100th as Hurricanes bolster bench for Brumbies

The Hurricanes are set to celebrate a new centurion on Saturday evening in Christchurch, with Du’Plessis Kirifi selected to become the 19th man to play for the club 100 times.

The co-captain has been named to start in his familiar No.7 jersey for the Super Round showdown with the Brumbies, who have won just two of their last six games after a hot start to the season.

Kirifi, 29, has grown to be a cult hero for the Hurricanes since his 2019 debut and made his long-awaited All Blacks debut last year, winning eight Test caps in his rookie campaign. He shares his milestone with Josh Gray, who is in line for a debut off the bench.

“It’s a huge achievement to play 100 games for the Hurricanes,” Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw said.

“We’re extremely proud of him, the way he leads and the way he plays. He’s a spiritual leader and often sets the tone on the field around the physicality and the breakdown.

“He’s really grown his game to become an all-round No.7 where he can make impact on the ball and make impact at the breakdown, but has also really improved his attacking skills and awareness around the field.

“I think that’s allowed him to lead extremely well and become one of our captains.

“It’s also an exciting opportunity for Josh, who is rewarded for the way he came in pre-season, the way he holds himself, and the way he prepares.

“A few injuries have allowed him his opportunity out of the wider training group, but he’s ready to play. If he gets on the field, we have full confidence that he’ll play well.

“With a new stadium, a trophy on the line, and Dupes’ 100^th, we’ve certainly got huge motivation to play well, and we can’t wait.”

Having fallen away in the latter stages of their super point loss to the Chiefs last week, Laidlaw has rejigged the matchday 23 to put some of his heavy-hitters on the bench. Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi and Peter Lakai all started in Hamilton but will provide impact in Christchurch.

“It’s a hugely exciting weekend with Super Round and the brand new One NZ Stadium,” Laidlaw said.

“We can’t wait to get down there and play under the roof against a quality side in the Brumbies for the Captain Shout Cup.

“We now traditionally play them on Anzac week, and we spend each Anzac week learning about Gallipoli and the Anzacs.

“This week, we learned more about the Wellington Battalion, what their attributes were and what impact they had in that battle, which we really enjoyed.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

39

23

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

80%

Hurricanes team to play the Brumbies 

1. Siale Lauaki (10)
2. Raymond Tuputupu (18)
3. Tevita Mafileo (64)
4. Caleb Delany (46)
5. Warner Dearns (8)
6. Devan Flanders (64)
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (99) – co-captain
8. Brayden Iose (59)
9. Cam Roigard (55)
10. Ruben Love (48)
11. Fehi Fineanganofo (20)
12. Jordie Barrett (119) – co-captain
13. Billy Proctor (75)
14. Josh Moorby (46)
15. Callum Harkin (17)

Reserves

16. Asafo Aumua (83)
17. Xavier Numia (84)
18. Pasilio Tosi (45)
19. Brad Shields (135)
20. Peter Lakai (44)
21. Ereatara Enari (19)
22. Jone Rova (7)
23. Josh Gray (debut)

Injury list

Tyrel Lomax (ankle): 5 weeks
Isaia Walker-Leawere (concussion): 1 week
Hugo Plummer (ankle): 1-2 weeks
Taine Roiri (hamstring): 2-4 weeks
Cooper Flanders (collarbone): 1-2 weeks
Jai Tamati (ankle): 2 weeks
Brett Cameron (knee): Expected to miss season
Harry Godfrey (knee): Expected to miss season
Bailyn Sullivan (leg): 1-2 weeks
Josh Timu (ankle): TBC