Brad Shields returns as Hurricanes make 14 changes in starting XV for Rebels

The Hurricanes' depth is proving to be perhaps the best in Super Rugby Pacific as the Wellington team deals with injury, suspension and All Blacks rest requirements while forging ahead with an undefeated record.

This week, that record is again on the line against the Rebels, and the team will be without influential halfback Cam Roigard. Veteran All Black TJ Perenara will step into the No. 9 jersey for the contest, a familiar role for the 150-cap Hurricane.

Thankfully, returning to the starting XV will be Jordie Barrett, having served his suspension for a red card against the Reds. Also returning to the starting unit is Duplessis Kirifi, who will be joined in the loose forwards by new captain Brad Shields in a season debut.

Shields' return after a five-year stint in Europe has been eagerly awaited, and his has proven to be a timely signing given the squad is missing previous key leaders in Ardie Savea and Dane Coles.

The rest of the starting XV is also riddled with changes, with All Black Tyrel Lomax the only player named to start this week after featuring in last round's win over the Crusaders.

“We’ve had to make some changes because some of the boys have got some niggles. We also want to let the boys who haven’t had a game this year find their feet. They’ve been training well, and they deserve an opportunity to play. It also shows the quality we have in our depth to be able to call on these players and we’re really happy with that,” Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw said.

“It’s also really good to have Brad back. We’ve certainly been in and out with some of our loose forwards with injuries, but he’s itching to get started after training fully now for a couple of weeks. He not only provides a strong running and defensive game but exceptional leadership as well.”

Palmerston North will play host to the Friday night contest.

“We love playing up in Palmy,” Laidlaw added.

“We have a long history of playing there and we have a contingent of Manawat? boys in our squad, so we’re looking forward to heading up there on Thursday and getting amongst the community with our open training session and school visits and then playing on Friday.”

Hurricanes team to face Rebels

1. Pouri Rakete-Stones
2. James O’Reilly
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Justin Sangster
5. Caleb Delany
6. Brad Shields (Captain)
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi
8. Devan Flanders
9. TJ Perenara
10. Aidan Morgan
11. Salesi Rayasi
12. Jordie Barrett
13. Ngane Punivai (Debut)
14. Daniel Sinkinson
15. Harry Godfrey

Replacements:

16. Asafo Aumua
17. Tevita Mafileo
18. Pasilio Tosi
19. James Tucker
20. Brayden Iose
21. Richard Judd
22. Riley Higgins
23. Josh Moorby