Photo: WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 13: Kini Naholo of the Hurricanes mixes with fans following during the round eight Super Rugby Pacific match between Hurricanes and Chiefs at Sky Stadium, on April 13, 2024, in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
Hurricanes Team Named for this weeks clash.
At a Glance:
The Hurricanes welcome Moana Pasifika to Sky Stadium for week 13 of DHL Super Rugby Pacific and Mana Moana week.
Raymond Tuputupu and Siale Lauaki named for their maiden starts for the Hurricanes.
Five members of the 2023 NZ U20 World Championship side named in the Hurricanes 23, with 17 players being homegrown.
Hurricanes have scored 57 tries in 2024, second only to the Chiefs.
Hurricanes sit second on the DHL Super Rugby Pacific table after 12 weeks of competition.
After taking on the Blues at Eden Park as part of DHL Super Rugby Pacific, Culture Round – Clark Laidlaw’s men will celebrate Mana Moana week, a chance to connect and reflect on the cultures which bind the Hurricanes together.
Given the team’s ancestry covers over 25 different nationalities, Laidlaw said it was a privilege for him and the team to be able to represent where they are all from against Moana Pasifika.
“Our team comes from range of different backgrounds and nationalities; we have spent this week learning more about each other’s cultures and connecting as we build towards Friday’s match.”
Of the 23, five of the side are graduates of the 2023 NZ U20 side, and 17 have come through the Hurricanes Development system.
Raymond Tuputupu and Siale Lauaki, two of the aforementioned graduates, are named for their maiden starts alongside experienced loosehead, Pouri Rakete-Stones.
Laidlaw who coached both Tuputupu and Lauaki at U20 level, said he was excited to see what the two dynamic front rowers could do from the kick-off.
“Siale and Raymond are two very talented young men, they have had to bide their time, but we feel that they’ve really grown in the environment this season, and both performed well against the Blues.”
It's a tall order in the second row, with Justin Sangster and Ben Grant lining up. Du’Plessis Kirifi and Devan Flanders are elevated from the bench, while Brad Shields captains the team from blindside.
Richard Judd and Aidan Morgan combine in the halves, with Peter Umaga-Jensen and Bailyn Sullivan in midfield. The back field trio of Kini Naholo, Daniel Sinkinson and Harry Godfrey will look to provide outstanding attack given the opportunity.
After missing the Waratahs and Blues games, hooker James O’Reilly returns via the bench and Xavier Numia and Pasilio Tosi will look to build off last week’s performances against the Blues when they’re injected. Isaia Walker-Leawere and Peter Lakai are joined by Jordi Viljoen, Riley Higgins and Salesi Rayasi to round out the 23.
Laidlaw said he was encouraged by the signs against the Blues and looked forward to another week for the side to grow.
“We’re excited to get back to our house, we love playing in front of our fans and with two home matches to go, we’re looking forward to seeing our fans out in numbers.”
Hurricanes team to face Moana Pasifika at Sky Stadium, Friday 17 May, 7:05pm.
1. Pouri Rakete-Stones (Ngāpuhi)
2. Raymond Tuputupu (Faleasiu, Nuku’alofa)
3. Siale Lauaki (Saina Faleata and Samatau)
4. Justin Sangster (Tauranga)
5. Ben Grant (Te Tai Kōura)
6. Brad Shields (C) (Masterton)
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (Iva (Savai'i - Sāmoa)
8. Devan Flanders (Te Matau a Māui)
9. Richard Judd (Thames Valley)
10. Aidan Morgan (Tāmaki Makaurau)
11. Kini Naholo (Nadroumai Village, Sigatoka, Fiji)
12. Peter Umaga-Jensen (Leulumoega & Afega (Upolu) and Sagone (Savai'i)
13. Bailyn Sullivan (Ngāti Kahungunu)
14. Daniel Sinkinson (Waikato)
15. Harry Godfrey (Hunterville)
16. James O’Reilly (Lower Hutt)
17. Xavier Numia (Saoluafata (Upolu-Samoa)
18. Pasilio Tosi (Niua Toputapu)
19. Isaia Walker-Leawere (Ngāti Porou/ Galoa, Korovisolou & Serua (Fiji)
20. Peter Lakai (Longomapu and Vaini Tonga)
21. Jordi Viljoen (South Africa)
22. Riley Higgins (Ngāti Porou)
23. Salesi Rayasi (Lau, Matuku/Qalikurua (Fiji), Savai'i, Palauli (Samoa)
Unavailable due to injury: Asafo Aumua, Jacob Devery, Cam Roigard, James Tucker, Caleb Delany, Billy Proctor
Ends