Photo: WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 13: Caleb Delany 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 Head to Hamilton for Chiefs Challenge
Hurricanes Team Naming Media Session: Audio - 240522 Clark Laidlaw Pre-Chiefs.m4a
At a Glance:
• Hurricanes head to Hamilton to take on the Chiefs as the end of the regular season nears. The 45th match between the two sides.
• Jordie Barrett, Ruben Love and TJ Perenara return to the side.
• Devan Flanders starts at six for his 50th Hurricanes appearance. The 62nd player to do so for the Hurricanes.
Fourteen weeks into 2024 campaign, the Hurricanes head to Hamilton to take on the Chiefs for the second time this season as the competition heats up for the teams in finals contention.
Following Friday’s match against Moana Pasifika, the team have freshened up ahead of the challenge which awaits them against last year’s beaten finalists.
Laidlaw was excited by another derby, as the team look to carry on and take the learnings following the match against Moana Pasifika.
“Moana gave us a fantastic challenge and it has helped us grow as a group. The Chiefs have threats all over the park, so it’s a case of a new week, new challenge for the team.”
Devan Flanders, in his 50th match for the Hurricanes lines up at six, with Peter Lakai and Brayden Iose joining him in the loose forward trio. TK Howden returns from injury via the bench.
The midfield has a familiar feel, where in-form duo Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor renew their partnership. The back field sees exciting players Kini Naholo, Josh Moorby and Ruben Love link up together again. Barrett Captains the side from 12.
There’s firepower off the bench with Pouri Rakete-Stones, James O’Reilly, Tevita Mafileo and Caleb Delany who returns to the side for the first time since 3 May. Richard Judd, Peter Umaga-Jensen and Salesi Rayasi will provide impact.
Laidlaw said he and the coaching staff had been impressed with the bench this season, and their ability to make a difference late on.
“Our bench has been fantastic this season, whether a 5-3 or 6-2 we’ve always had a nice balance and the ability for those players to come into the match at crucial stages and add an impact has been great to see.”
“It’s great to be able to re-introduce Caleb Delany from the bench too, Caleb has been outstanding for us this season, and he’s really grown as a leader in our tight five.”
The Hurricanes side to take on the Chiefs at FMG Stadium Waikato on Friday at 7:05pm.
1. Xavier Numia
2. Raymond Tuputupu
3. Pasilio Tosi
4. Justin Sangster
5. Isaia Walker-Leawere
6. Devan Flanders - 50th Hurricanes Match
7. Peter Lakai
8. Brayden Iose
9. TJ Perenara
10. Brett Cameron
11. Kini Naholo
12. Jordie Barrett (C)
13. Billy proctor
14. Josh Moorby
15. Ruben Love
16. James O'Reilly
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones
18. Tevita Mafileo
19. Caleb Delany
20. Te Kamaka (TK) Howden
21. Richard Judd
22. Peter Umaga-Jensen
23. Salesi Rayasi
Unavailable: Asafo Aumua, Jacob Devery, Cam Roigard, Tyrel Lomax, Brad Shields, Du'Plessis Kirifi
The Hurricanes return to Sky Stadium, Saturday 1 June for Heritage Round, where they’ll be wearing their heritage jersey for the first time in competition. The heritage jersey is based off the Iconic Hurricanes 1997 jersey worn by some of the all-time great Hurricanes such as Christian Cullen, Tana Umaga, Bull Allen and Norm Hewitt.
Ends