Ruben Love returns to 1st XV as Hurricanes make 7 changes for Brumbies

The Hurricanes have once again made a raft of changes to their starting side as they prepare to take on the Brumbies in a Saturday afternoon blockbuster in Canberra as part of ANZAC Round.

After getting the better of the always-tough Fijian Drua with a clinical performance in Suva last time out, the Hurricanes have switched their focus to the team’s 400^th Super Rugby match.

Coach Clark Dermody has made seven changes to the run-on side. Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Brayden Iose, Brett Cameron and Ruben Love all return to the First XV.

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Peter Umaga-Jensen is also set for his first start of the season after being named at outside centre as a replacement for the Canes’ consistent No. 13 Billy Proctor.

The Hurricanes battled the heat in Suva last week as they overcame a tough Drua outfit in Suva. This time, they’ll need to brace for cold conditions against a hungry Brumbies side.

“I was pleased with our prep for this week, the way the players and management have been able to adapt as we prepare for a new challenge each week,” Laidlaw said in a statement.

The Brumbies are third on the Super Rugby Pacific standings but will be eager to make amends after falling 46-7 in a disastrous defeat to the Blues at Auckland’s Eden Park last weekend.

Preparing for this challenge, the Canes have gone with the front row trio of Xavier Numia, James O’Reilly and Tyrel Lomax. Caleb Delany and Isaia Walker-Leawere round out the tight five.

Captain Brad Shields partners Du’Plessis Kirifi and Brayden Iose in the loose forwards, while TJ Perenara and Brett Cameron will look to link the forwards and backs as the halves.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

31

29

First try wins

20%

Home team wins

80%

Jordie Barrett will combine with Peter Umaga-Jensen in the midfield, while Salesi Rayasi, Kini Naholo and Ruben Love have been selected as the three outside backs.

As part of this ANZAC Round clash between the capital cities, the Hurricanes will lay a wreath at the New Zealand Memorial in Canberra on Friday.

“It’s a real honour for us to be invited to lay a wreath there,” Laidlaw explained. “It’s important for us to recognise and remember those lives lost and to continue the legacy of service.”

The Hurricanes highly anticipated meeting with the ACT Brumbies at Canberra’ GIO Stadium will get underway at 4:35 pm NZT on Saturday.

Hurricanes team to take on Brumbies

1. Xavier Numia
2. James O’Reilly
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Caleb Delany
5. Isaia Walker-Leawere
6. Brad Shields (c)
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi
8. Brayden Iose
9. TJ Perenara
10. Brett Cameron
11. Salesi Rayasi
12. Jordie Barrett
13. Peter Umaga-Jensen
14. Kini Naholo
15. Ruben Love

Replacements

16. Raymond Tuputupu
17. Tevita Mafileo
18. Pasilio Tosi
19. Ben Grant
20. Peter Lakai
21. Richard Judd
22. Riley Higgins
23. Bailyn Sullivan

Unavailable: Asafo Aumua, Jacob Devery, TK Howden, Cam Roigard, James Tucker