Five All Blacks named in 27-man Hurricanes touring squad

The Hurricanes have named a squad of 27 players that will travel to Africa and Argentina for the start of the 2020 Super Rugby campaign - including five All Blacks.

It comes following a close pre-season defeat to the Blues yesterday, where the Hurricanes went down 29 – 28.

In the travelling squad is Ben Lam, Jamie Booth and Ricky Riccitelli – who all scored tries.

Tevita Mafileo, has been with the Blues this year but has been drafted by the Hurricanes and will join them on tour.

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Co-captain, TJ Perenara, will be looking for his first chance to put on the black and yellow jersey in 2020, when the Hurricanes go up against the Stormers in Capetown a week from today.

Head Coach, Jason Holland says the South African side boast several World Cup winners and so it’s going to be a tough clash.

“As always, you can expect the game is going to be extremely physical. We know they will have a certain confidence this year too – but we’ve got a good side who have taken lessons from pre-season and are ready for what’s to come.”

The Hurricanes will take both first-five options, Jackson Garden-Bachop and Fletcher Smith with them. Plenty of options at second-five too, with Ngani Laumape and Jordie Barrett named in the in the side.

The Hurricanes squad heading away on tour is:

Forwards:

Fraser Armstrong, Tyrel Lomax, Tevita Mafileo, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Alex Fidow, Ricky Riccitelli, Asafo Aumua, James Blackwell, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Scott Scrafton, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Gareth Evans, Vaea Fifita, Devan Flanders, Reed Prinsep.

Backs:

TJ Perenara, Jamie Booth, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Fletcher Smith, Ngani Laumape, Billy Proctor, Vince Aso, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Wes Goosen, Ben Lam, Chase Tiatia, Jordie Barrett.