Ruben Love named for early Hurricanes return against Moana Pasifika

All Black Ruben Love will make his season debut for the Hurricanes this weekend against Moana Pasifika after initially being slated for a round seven return following ankle surgery.

The 23-year-old underwent surgery in December and was given a three to four month recovery timeline; his return for the round four contest comes at the earliest extreme of that timeline.

The one-Test international has been named to start in the No. 15 jersey, offering some playmaking support to burgeoning star Harry Godfrey, who has impressed with his start to the season.

Other changes in the starting XV see Peter Lakai move to the openside flank and Brayden Iose come in at No. 8, with Brad Shields retaining his No. 6 jersey as Du’Plessis Kirifi returns to the bench.

Fehi Fineanganofo is absent from the teamsheet; Ngatungane Punivai replaces him on the right wing outside an unchanged midfield of Peter Umaga-Jensen and Bailyn Sullivan.

Cam Roigard joins Riley Hohepa and potential debutant Jone Rova on the bench, with Ere Enari named to start at halfback.

Another potential debutant has been named on the bench in the No. 16 jersey, with Nic Souchon joining Xavier Numia and Pasilio Tosi as a powerful reserve front row. Hugo Plummer will play backup in the second row.

Siale Lauaki, Jacob Devery and Tevita Mafileo are set to start the game, with Caleb Delany and Isaia Walker-Leawere again backed to start in the second row.

Hurricanes team to play Moana Pasifika

1. Siale Lauaki
2. Jacob Devery
3. Tevita Mafileo
4. Caleb Delany
5. Isaia Walker-Leawere
6. Brad Shields
7. Peter Lakai
8. Brayden Iose
9. Ereatara Enari
10. Harry Godfrey
11. Kini Naholo
12. Peter Umaga-Jensen
13. Bailyn Sullivan
14. Ngatungane Punivai
15. Ruben Love

Reserves

16. Nic Souchon*
17. Xavier Numia
18. Pasilio Tosi
19. Hugo Plummer
20. Du’Plessis Kirifi
21. Cam Roigard
22. Riley Hohepa
23. Jone Rova*

* Denotes potential debut