Captain Ardie Savea named for Hurricanes return vs the Waratahs

Hurricanes captain Ardie Savea will make his return to the starting side on Friday after serving a one game suspension for a throat-slitting gesture against the Rebels in Super Round.

Savea was cited for the incident a fortnight ago, and was later ruled out of the teams New Zealand derby against the Blues in Wellington last weekend.

The Hurricanes have made three changes to their starting XV ahead of Friday night’s blockbuster against the NSW Waratahs at Sky Stadium.

Savea has been named to start at No. 8 for the Hurricanes, and will replace rising star Peter Lakai who moves out of the teams matchday 23.

Hooker Asafo Aumua has also been promoted to the starting side after a strong performances, while veteran Dane Coles will look to provide some impact off the bench.

James Blackwell and Isaia Walker-Leawere will start in the second-row for the fourth time this season, while Devan Flanders and Du’Plessis Kirifi have been named on the flanks.

As for the backline, Cameron Roigard and Brett Cameron will partner each other in the halves again this week after a promising display against the Blues.

The pair will look to lead an exciting backline around the park on Friday night, which includes just one change.

Winger Kini Naholo is set to make his Hurricanes debut on Friday night, following stints with both the Chiefs and Crusaders.

Once heralded as a schoolboy superstar, Naholo famously scored six tries in one half for the Hastings Boys’ High 1^st XV in 2017.

“Kini has got himself into good shape and it looking sharp,” coach Jason Holland said in a statement.

“He’s a big threat with ball in hand, and has earned this opportunity to start.”

Veteran lock Dominic Bird could also make his Hurricanes debut off the bench this week, while Bailyn Sulivan is also set to make his return from a stint on the sidelines.

The match between the Hurricanes and NSW Waratahs is set to kick-off at 7:05pm on Friday night at Sky Stadium.

Hurricanes team to take on the Waratahs

1. Xavier Numia
2. Asafo Aumua
3. Tyrel Lomax

4 James Blackwell

5. Isaia Walker-Leawere
6. Devan Flanders
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi
8. Ardie Savea (c)
9. Cameron Roigard
10. Brett Cameron
11. Kini Naholo
12. Jordie Barrett
13. Billy Proctor
14. Julian Savea
15. Josh Moorby

Replacements:

16. Dane Coles
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones
18. Pasilio Tosi
19. Dominic Bird
20. Braydon Iose
21. Jamie Booth
22. Aidan Morgan
23. Bailyn Sulivan

Unavailable: Ruben Love, Caleb Delany, Tyler Laubscher, Reed Prinsep, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Justin Sangster, TJ Perenara, Jacob Devery