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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“Due to an injury sustained by Du’Plessis Kirifi, he has been withdrawn from tonight’s match against the Crusaders at Sky Stadium,” the Hurricanes wrote on their Instagram.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
I am really looking forward to Leigh Halfpenny playing his first Super rugby game for the Crusaders Playing a long side his former Welsh and Scarlets team mate Johnny McNicoll.Johnny has been playing great, back in a Crusaders jersey.The attack has strengthened big time. Also looking forward to David Havili at 10. David is a class act, it also allows Dallas McLeod to remain at 12. A good thing.
Go to commentsIf he had stopped insisting on playing in the backrow, instead of wing, where everyone told him he should, he would have been a Bok years ago….
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