Love and Lomax named to return for Hurricanes against Force

The Hurricanes have welcomed back some All Blacks heavy-hitters for their run-in with the Western Force in Napier, with head coach Clark Laidlaw making some significant rotations in his chosen matchday squad.

Ruben Love has recovered from the ankle injury he suffered in pre-season to take up a spot on the bench, and Tyrel Lomax is also back to full fitness after some game-time for the Hurricanes’ development team, the Hunters, in recent weeks. The prop suffered a broken thumb at the back end of the All Blacks’ 2025 campaign, while Love’s expected timeline for return just last week was estimated at 2-4 weeks.

Caleb Delany is also back on deck for the Wellingtonians, with the All Blacks XV lock now recovered from a calf injury that has kept him on the sidelines for the opening four weeks of the season.

“Having CD, Tyrel, and Ruben all back from their injuries really strengthens our squad and gives us fresh legs and impetus to play the game,” Laidlaw said.

“The Force, from a set piece perspective, certainly got us on alert around making sure we get that area of the game right, as well as trying to impose our game on them.

“We had a draw with them last year, went to golden point and weren’t good enough to get across the line, so we know it’s going to be a tough challenge.

“They’ve played well the last two weeks in New Zealand, so I’m sure they’re looking forward to finishing strong against us in Napier.”

Some key players have been rested for the occasion, with Peter Lakai and Billy Proctor absent from the team sheet, while Asafo Aumua and Warner Dearns shift to the bench, offering yet more international firepower in the reserve unit. Brayden Iose will also be available off the bench.

The changes see Brad Shields return to the starting line-up as Devan Flanders shifts to No.8, and Bailyn Sullivan shift in to the No.13 jersey, vacating the right wing, which will be occupied by Ngane Punivai.

Callum Harkin retains the No.10 jersey for at least one more week, with Josh Moorby again backed in the No.15 jersey.

“We’re really excited about going back to Napier. It’s something we really enjoy, playing in the region we represent. We take real pride in coming up to Napier and playing in Hawke’s Bay,” he said.

“We’ve got a massive contingent of Hawke’s Bay players within the group, some really experienced players, so it’s been nice to be home after being on the road for a couple of weeks.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

1

Wins

1

Average Points scored

34

21

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

60%

Hurricanes team to play the Western Force

1. Pouri Rakete-Stones (54)
2. Jacob Devery (20)
3. Pasilio Tosi (40)
4. Caleb Delany (41)
5. Isaia Walker-Leawere (81)
6. Brad Shields (131)
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (94) – co-captain
8. Devan Flanders (59)
9. Cam Roigard (50)
10. Callum Harkin (13)
11. Fehi Fineanganofo (15)
12. Jordie Barrett (114) – co-captain
13. Jone Rova (3)
14. Bailyn Sullivan (43)
15. Josh Moorby (41)

Reserves

16. Asafo Aumua (78)
17. Xavier Numia (79)
18. Tyrel Lomax (70)
19. Warner Dearns (3)
20. Brayden Iose (54)
21. Jordi Viljoen (5)
22. Ruben Love (43)
23. Riley Higgins (18)

Injury list

Ngane Punivai (hamstring): TBC
Tony Tafa (concussion): 1 week
Taine Roiri (hamstring): 5 weeks
Jai Tamati (ankle): 6-8 weeks
Brett Cameron (knee): Expected to miss season
Harry Godfrey (knee): Expected to miss season
Josh Timu (foot): 4-6 weeks