Hurricanes' injury concerns alleviated for Rebels quarter-final
The injury concerns over Hurricanes stars TJ Perenara and Ruben Love have been put to rest as the Wellington club have named both players in the starting XV for their quarter-final against the Rebels.
The pair have been named in a lethal backline which includes Salesi Rayasi on the left wing in the place of Kini Naholo. The former New Zealand sevens star has demanded the starting role through his strong recent form after starting the year on the bench.
Elsewhere, selection calls have been made to keep Devan Flanders as the starting blindside flanker, meaning Brad Shields will again make his impact on the game off the bench.
Tyrel Lomax remains unavailable, leaving Pasilio Tosi to start alongside the powerful Xavier Numia and Asafo Aumua in the front row. Aumua showed no signs of rust upon his return from injury last week, something his head coach commended ahead of the quarter-final.
“Asafo was extremely diligent in his rehab and that allowed him to get back out on the park for 40 minutes which was pleasing for him and us," Clark Laidlaw said.
“We’re under no illusion, the Melbourne Rebels have an exciting backline, and their x-factor is a real threat, with numerous ball carriers across the field, it’ll be an amazing match.”
Having secured the top seed in a dramatic final weekend of results, the team are ready to show out in front of their home fans.
“The crowd was immense and has been building all season. How good is afternoon rugby – we're keen to see a big crowd on Saturday to bring that extra energy.”
Hurricanes team to face the Rebels
- Xavier Numia
- Asafo Aumua
- Pasilio Tosi
- Justin Sangster
- Isaia Walker-Leawere
- Devan Flanders
- Peter Lakai
- Brayden Iose
- TJ Perenara
- Brett Cameron
- Salesi Rayasi
- Jordie Barrett (C)
- Billy Proctor
- Josh Moorby
- Ruben Love
Reserves
- James O’Reilly
- Pouri Rakete-Stones
- Tevita Mafileo
- Brad Shields
- Du’Plessis Kirifi
- Richard Judd
- Bailyn Sullivan
- Kini Naholo
Unavailable: Cam Roigard, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Ben Grant
Latest Comments
Borthwick is gradually building a non-nonsense kind of team, with a back-to-basics workmanlike style. And I am backing him to do a good job of it, over time. If they aren’t already a legitimate contender against all comers then we should expect them to get there within the next year. Don’t expect the prettiest or most elegant rugby, but don’t underestimate their potential. FWIW I would not be surprised to see a relatively under-cooked NZ team lose to England in this series. You have to back Razor’s record in the longer run, but again it is a team in rebuild. Most of the magic emerges in teams when they have built experience as a unit. It’s when you get the roles, accuracy, timing and anticipation working that you get the results. It also helps to prove your selections and develop your squad depth. England are one year ahead of NZ in that rebuild process. I would love to see NZ win, but it is a lot to ask right. now. NZ deserve a break as Razor gets it all working together. As relates to NZ/SA, I expect those to be the biggest games of the 2024 season.
Go to commentsGreat player, did the business always for Scotland. Sadly after a quick shag with a groupie realises he still loves his wife. Cut the man some slack
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