1
TJ Perenara set to return against Blues in Wellington
By Ned Lester
The Hurricanes will be without their All Black second five-eighth for three weeks beginning with this weekend's derby against fellow undefeated Kiwi team, the Blues after Jordie Barrett was suspended for his high tackle on Reds fullback Jordan Petaia.
The loss is a significant blow for the team as they face one of their hottest rivals and a team they are likely to be jostling in the standings with throughout the season, but the midfield is an area where the Canes possess quality depth.
Riley Higgins will step into the 12 jersey, ensuring the team doesn't lose too much size while Barrett is sidelined. He'll partner with the energetic Billy Proctor who will look to continue his stellar form from 2023.
The outside backs have proven exceptionally dangerous to start the season and continue that run with Kini Naholo, Josh Moorby and Ruben Love again starting while Salesi Rayasi provides impact off the bench.
the halves see Cam Roigard and Brett Cameron continue their partnership while the return of All Black TJ Perenara after two Achilles surgeries will no doubt get the Wellington crowd on their feet.
Up front, Tevita Mafileo returns to the starting unit and will be replaced by a man celebrating his 50th Hurricanes game in Xavier Numea. Asafo Aumua and Tyrel Lomax round out the front row.
Lock James Tucker will get his Hurricanes debut in the match-up, combining with Isaiah Walker-Leawere.
The back row once more sees TK Howden, Peter Lakai and Brayden Iose start as Duplessis Kirifi and captain Brad Shields continue to nurse injuries.
Hurricanes team to face Blues
- Tevita Mafileo
- Asafo Aumua
- Tyrel Lomax
- James Tucker
- Isaiah Walker-Leawere
- TK Howden
- Peter Lakai
- Brayden Iose
- Cam Roigard
- Brett Cameron
- Kini Naholo
- Riley Higgins
- Billy Proctor
- Josh Moorby
- Ruben Love
Reserves
16. James O'Reilly
17. Xavier Numia
18. Pasilio Tosi
19. Caleb Delany
20. Devan Flanders
21. TJ Perenara
22. Peter Umaga-Jensen
23. Salesi Rayasi
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Exeter Chiefs confirm latest Heaven sent arrival
3
Ex-Leicester Tigers CEO points out obvious choice for next head coach
4
Sale Sharks refuse to give up on new stadium dream
5
Latest Comments
“It was true actually. Arteta hasn’t won much, nor slot. Pep has of course, and is a few years older. BUT - here’s the clincher: compare his trophy haul when he was THE SAME AGE AS your other examples! Boom.”
Boom indeed! My point proven. Pep hasn’t gotten better with age - he won loads when he was pretty new to coaching.
But the examples I gave were to show that the top coaches now are younger than the top coaches were 10 years ago. They are also less experienced than the top coaches were 10 years ago - something you seem not to have noticed.
I’m English btw.
Ok so you’re admitting you didn’t really have a point to make wrt Ferguson and spending regulations?
Go to commentsI really like Tupaea. He has come back to a level that might even be higher than before his terrible injury in 2022. And congratulations to him. But objectively, I think he still remains a "lesser" Tavatavanawai in almost all aspects of the game. Furthermore, comparing the stats of the Chiefs and the Landers is not fair. Tupaea benefits from a lot of forwards and a much superior halfback pairing. Tavatavanawai (like Tangitau) works miracles within an average team. Tupaea is good in a very good team.
The All Blacks must select excellence. And excellence is visible at centre and in other positions. I believe the All Blacks have enormous potential, unlike anything seen since 2015. Razor must select the right players; it’s as simple as that... he just needs to bend down to pick them up
Go to comments