Try-scoring phenom Fineanganofo returns for Hurricanes' semi-final

After dispatching the Brumbies by a record margin in last weekend’s qualifying final, the Hurricanes will welcome back the man on the brink of scoring the most tries in a single season in Super Rugby history in this week’s semi.

Fehi Fineanganofo has been cleared to return after three weeks on the sideline with a hamstring issue and will start on the left wing, pushing Kini Naholo to the bench. The change has no impact on Josh Moorby and Cullum Harkin’s starting positions, but has seen the hat-trick hero of the Brumbies win, Ngane Punivai, removed from the matchday 23.

Fineanganofo’s return isn’t the only good news for Canes fans, though, with All Blacks XV prop Siale Lauaki recovering from a hamstring issue of his own to take his place on the bench.

“It’s a bonus being able to pick a really consistent team where a couple of guys who have been injured are coming back in,” Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw said.

“We feel grateful for that and we’re hugely excited to welcome the Blues here on Saturday night. We’re expecting a very tough semi-final. At this time of the year, the four best teams are left, so the team has prepared with the intensity that this game deserves.

“We can’t wait to play at home, hopefully in front of a big crowd of vocal supporters who fill the tin to help get us home.”

Peter Lakai has been named for his 50th Hurricanes cap at just 23 years of age, and will be joined in the loose forwards once more by Brad Shields, who will overtake Dane Coles as the third most-capped Hurricane in the club’s history.

“It’s a huge achievement for Peter given he’s so young. It probably shows that one of his super strengths is his consistency and his resilience to play big minutes and play a lot of games in a row,” Laidlaw added.

“He’s a massive part of what the team does, whether he’s playing No 7 or No 8. We really look forward to watching him play. He’s got an amazing future ahead of him. He’s already an All Black and he’s going to become a long-time Hurricane.

“Brad has shown true resilience and consistency to have played so many games after going to Europe. To have had a stint overseas, as well as all these games for the Hurricanes, makes it especially unique for him to become the third-most capped player for the club.

“He’s the ultimate Hurricane and a true team man in the way he trains, the way he applies himself, and the way he wants to be better. He’s everything we want in our players, and I think he’s playing as well as he ever has.

“I thought the way he’s played over the last few weeks has been exceptional. That longevity and level of performance is a true testament to him. We’re super proud of him, and we’re lucky and grateful to have him still part of the club.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

39

23

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

60%

Hurricanes team to play the Blues

1. Xavier Numia (90)
2. Asafo Aumua (88)
3. Pasilio Tosi (51)
4. Caleb Delany (51)
5. Warner Dearns (13)
6. Brad Shields (141)
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (104) – co-captain
8. Peter Lakai (50th match)
9. Cam Roigard (59)
10. Ruben Love (53)
11. Fehi Fineanganofo (24)
12. Jordie Barrett (123) – co-captain
13. Billy Proctor (81)
14. Josh Moorby (52)
15. Callum Harkin (23)
16. Raymond Tuputupu (24)
17. Siale Lauaki (15)
18. Tyrel Lomax (73)
19. Isaia Walker-Leawere (91)
20. Brayden Iose (65)
21. Ereatara Enari (25)
22. Jone Rova (14)
23. Kini Naholo (37)

Injury list

Devan Flanders (concussion): TBC
Jai Tamati (knee): Season
Brett Cameron (knee): Season
Riley Higgins (shoulder): Season
Drew Wild (shoulder): 1 week