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All Blacks coach gives injury update, loose-forward ruled out of tour
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Lomax and Roigard return as Hurricanes make 12 changes for Crusaders
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Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw has made sweeping changes to his matchday 23 for this weekend’s match-up with the Crusaders in Christchurch, including welcoming back All Blacks Tyrel Lomax and Cam Roigard.
With the No.1 seed secured heading into the final round of the regular season, Laidlaw has taken the opportunity to rest some of his star players, while others have been listed as out with short-term injuries.
The new additions to the injury list include Jordie Barrett and Siale Lauaki, who have an unexpected return timeline of one week. Du’Plessis Kirifi and Ngane Punivai are also out and listed as week-to-week, while Devan Flanders and Fehi Fineanganofo are expected to miss two weeks.
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Yet more familiar names have been rested for the sold-out fixture under the new roof of One New Zealand Stadium, with All Blacks Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Peter Lakai, Ruben Love and Billy Proctor all absent from both the teamsheet and injury list. Japan captain Warner Dearns is also in that camp.
The changes make way for three Hurricanes debuts, with ex-Highlanders Josh Timu and Taniela Filimone set to start their first minutes in Hurricanes colours in the backline, and Cooper Flanders, who is the younger brother of Devan Flanders, named to start at openside flanker.
There are also three players in the matchday 23 with just one Hurricanes cap: Tom Allen will come off the bench after his debut last week, Matolu Petaia will offer loose forward cover after making his debut against Moana Pasifika in round 2 alongside Arese Piliko, who will start at No.8 this week.
Just Isaia Walker-Leawere, Kini Naholo and Josh Moorby remain from the starting XV that beat the Highlanders last weekend.
The Hurricanes drew the short straw by starting the season with a bye in round 1, leaving them with less rest than their opponents throughout the season. Coach Laidlaw says securing the top seed with a week to spare has allowed the team to manage players’ health and form in this week’s selections.
“We were obviously delighted to lock up top spot last weekend. Going down to Christchurch, we’ve picked up a few injuries and niggles, which has allowed us to pick a different team,” Laidlaw said.
“It’s a real balancing act around some men who have been injured and need rugby, and some fellas to continue with their consistency.
“We know what’s on the line for the Crusaders. We’ve had a taste of their stadium through Super Round, so to go back is nothing new for us as a team. The atmosphere they’ve created down there with a sold-out stadium looks awesome.
“We can’t wait to get there and play on Friday night.”
The Hurricanes will also celebrate Bailyn Sullivan’s 50th game for the club this week.
Hurricanes team to play the Crusaders
- Xavier Numia (88)
- Raymond Tuputupu (22)
- Tyrel Lomax (71)
- Hugo Plummer (12)
- Isaia Walker-Leawere (89)
- Brad Shields (139) – captain
- Cooper Flanders (debut)
- Arese Poliko (1)
- Cam Roigard (57)
- Callum Harkin (21)
- Kini Naholo (35)
- Jone Rova (12)
- Josh Timu (debut)
- Taniela Filimone (debut)
- Josh Moorby (50)
Reserves
16. Jacob Devery (23)
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones (59)
18. Tevita Mafileo (67)
19. Tom Allen (1)
20. Matolu Petaia (1)
21. Jordi Viljoen (9)
22. Lucas Cashmore (5)
23. Bailyn Sullivan (50th match)
Injury list
Siale Lauaki (hamstring): 1 week
Anaru Paenga-Morgan (concussion): 1 week
Jordie Barrett (hamstring): 1 week
Du’Plessis Kirifi (shoulder): Week-to-week
Ngane Punivai (shoulder): Week-to-week
Devan Flanders (concussion): 2 weeks
Fehi Fineanganofo (hamstring): 2 weeks
Drew Wild (shoulder): 2 weeks
Harry Godfrey (knee): Expected to miss season
Brett Cameron (knee): Season
Riley Higgins (shoulder): Season
