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Hurricanes confirm late change with star ruled out of Crusaders clash
By Finn Morton
The Hurricanes have been dealt a major blow ahead of their crunch clash with the Crusaders at Sky Stadium on Saturday, with Du’Plessis Kirifi set to miss the match due to injury.
Kirifi has been nothing short of sensational for the Hurricanes this season. The Wellington Lions captain is currently equal fifth for tackles made in Super Rugby Pacific with 156.
Looking to bounce back from last weekend’s loss to the Blues at Eden Park, the Hurricanes named their team to play the defending champions on Thursday.
To no surprise really, Kirifi was set to start at openside flanker once again in round 15 – and was set to compete as part of the formidable loose forward trio which includes Devan Flanders and Ardie Savea.
But, mere hours before kick-off in Wellington, the Hurricanes confirmed the late change to their side on social media.
“Due to an injury sustained by Du’Plessis Kirifi, he has been withdrawn from tonight’s match against the Crusaders at Sky Stadium,” the Hurricanes wrote on their Instagram.
“Ardie Savea will now shift to 7, and Brayden Iose moves from the bench to 8.
“TK Howden will provide impact from the bench.”
Hurricanes team to take on Crusaders – updated
- Tevita Mafileo
- Dane Coles
- Tyrel Lomax
- James Blackwell
- Caleb Delany
- Devan Flanders
- Ardie Savea (c)
- Brayden Iose
- Cam Roigard
- Brett Cameron
- Kini Naholo
- Jordie Barrett
- Billy Proctor
- Daniel Sinkinson
- Josh Moorby
Replacements:
- Jacob Devery
- Pouri Rakete-Stones
- Owen Franks
- Justin Sangster
- TK Howden
- Jamie Booth
- Ruben Love
- Bailyn Sullivan
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Latest Comments
There is a continued murmur in local circles about reciprocal bi annual tours between SA and Argentine. Whether it's full blooded test tours or development tours or a mixture - ie touring with a "test" 20 and a development 20 the cream of which will be used in tests. We actually really enjoy playing the Argies and I believe they enjoy playing us. It goes back seventy years to the Junior Bok tours to Argentine involving Isaac van Heerden.
Go to commentsDon't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
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