WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - JUNE 01: Jordie Barrett of the Hurricanes mixes with fans after the round 15 Super Rugby Pacific match between Hurricanes and Highlanders at Sky Stadium, on June 01, 2024, in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
Four days out from the DHL Super Rugby semi-finals, the Hurricanes are encouraging fans to get along and support their team this Saturday afternoon! 20,000 tickets have been sold by lunchtime on Wednesday.
With tickets starting at just $30 for adults and $15 for kids, semi-finals rugby is great value for money entertainment.
Head Coach, Clark Laidlaw, said “The team has been together since November and the connection in our group is a real strength. We’ve worked hard on solidifying our connection to our region and our people this season, and we can’t wait to see our fans pack out Our House!”
With 30,000 expected at Sky Stadium, this weekend represents an opportunity for the fans to show their love for the Hurricanes and support the team in their first home semi-final since the 2016 season.
CEO, Avan Lee, said “Saturday is going to be awesome. We will have a great crowd and an awesome game of rugby against the Chiefs. We encourage fans to get to the Stadium early, with gates opening at 2:30pm. There are plenty of food and beverage options, as well as activities to keep the fans entertained pre-match.”
Hurricanes fans can enjoy 50% off transport, with off-peak rates applying for Snapper Card users.
For the 46th time, the Hurricanes and Chiefs go head-to-head, this time in the semi-finals of DHL Super Rugby Pacific, as crunch time hits at Sky Stadium this Saturday.
The Hurricanes were made to work hard in the quarters, as the Melbourne Rebels held out valiantly in the first half before the Hurricanes prevailed seven tries to two.
Head Coach, Clark Laidlaw – said a new challenge awaits the side. “The Rebels really came out and took it to us with their physicality which is what we had expected. We obviously have a of empathy toward their players, staff and fans. The Chiefs will provide another tough challenge for us, and one we are really excited for.”
With more than 25,000 people expected at Sky Stadium – Laidlaw says the side are embracing the challenge of finals rugby, at home.
“There’s a level of excitement in the group, another week for us to improve and grow together, and put out a performance for our fans, which we can all be proud of.”
“The energy that our fans bring to Our House, gives the team that extra push, and we can feel the energy when we’re out there, representing you.”
In the front row, Pouri Rakete-Stones starts at loosehead for the injured Xavier Numia, with Asafo Aumua and the returning Tyrel Lomax.
Justin Sangster and Isaia Walker-Leawere anchor the second row, with Captain Brad Shields at blindside, Peter Lakai and Brayden Iose at openside and number 8.
TJ Perenara and Brett Cameron link up in the halves. Duo Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor will again look to influence the game from the midfield.
Salesi Rayasi retains his spot on the left wing, Josh Moorby on the right and Ruben Love returns at full-back after a week on the sidelines.
Tevita Mafileo shows his versatility covering the loosehead side with James O’Reilly and Pasilio Tosi ready to go at hooker and tighthead respectively.
With the six-two split chosen by the coaches, James Tucker, Devan Flanders and Du’Plessis Kirifi cover the second and back row, with Richard Judd and utility Bailyn Sullivan rounding out the bench.
With adult tickets starting at just $30, Hurricanes fans are encouraged to get down to Sky Stadium and back their team as semi-final rugby returns to Our House for the first time since 2016. Tickets available here.
The Hurricanes team to take on the Chiefs at Our House, Saturday 4:35pm.
Pouri-Rakete-Stones
Asafo Aumua
Tyrel Lomax
Justin Sangster
Isaia Walker-Leawere
Brad Shields ©
Peter Lakai
Brayden Iose
TJ Perenara
Brett Cameron
Salesi Rayasi
Jordie Barrett
Billy Proctor
Josh Moorby
Ruben Love
James O’Reilly
Tevita Mafileo
Pasilio Tosi
James Tucker
Devan Flanders
Du’Plessis Kirifi
Richard Judd
Bailyn Sullivan
Unavailable: Caleb Delany, Ben Grant, Xavier Numia, Cam Roigard
The Hurricanes will be hosting an Open Training for our fans to come watch and meet the team. On Thursday 13 June, 12:30pm – 1:30pm at NZCIS, Gate 2, 30 Somme Road, Trentham, Upper Hutt. Parking is available, outside the campus on Somme Road.