Hurricanes name team light on All Blacks for season opener

The Hurricanes have named just one current All Black in their starting XV for the Super Rugby Pacific season opener against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

That one player is Cam Roigard, who will line up alongside fellow youngster Harry Godfrey in the starting halves duo.

While the Wellington club boast three All Blacks front rowers, only Pasilio Tosi is fit and available for the game, with the 2024 breakthrough prop named on the bench for the Friday night contest.

Xavier Numia, Jacob Devery and Tevita Mafileo have been backed to start the game against an All Black-heavy Crusaders front row.

Caleb Delany and Isaia Walker-Leawere make up the second row, while Brad Shields, Du'Plessis Kirifi, and Brayden Iose round out the forward pack.

Joining Roigard and Godfrey in the backline are one-time All Black Peter Umaga-Jensen and Bailyn Sullivan in the midfield. Two debutants have been named in the back three; former All Blacks Sevens speedster Fatafehi Fineanganofo and Callum Harkin. Kini Naholo's selection on the left wing concludes the starting XV.

"We have had a good pre-season. We have worked hard on our game and our culture, whilst also spending some quality time within our community. Friday night will be a big challenge. The Crusaders are always tough, but we are ready. We are really excited for the boys, especially our debutants," Hurricanes head coach Clarke Laidlaw said.

Hurricanes team to play Crusaders

1. Xavier Numia
2. Jacob Devery
3. Tevita Mafileo
4. Caleb Denlany
5. Isaia Walker-Leawere
6. Brad Shields
7. Du'Plessis Kirifi
8. Brayden Iose
9. Cam Roigard
10. Harry Godfrey
11. Kini Naholo
12. Peter-Umaga-Jensen
13. Bailyn Sullivan
14. Fatafehi Fineanganofo*
15. Callum Harkin*

Reserves

16. Raymond Tuputupu

17. Pouri Rakete-Stones

18. Pasilio Tosi

19. Hugo Plummer

20. Peter Lakai

21. Ereatara Enari*

22. Riley Hohepa

23. Ngatungane Punivai

Injury list

Zach Gallagher, Achilles, expected return: TBC

Daniel Sinkinson, hamstring, expected return: R8

Ruben Love, ankle, expected to return: R7

Lucas Cashmore, knee, expected to return: R7

Brett Cameron, knee, expected to return: season

Asafo Aumua, foot, expected to return: R3

Tyrel Lomax, ankle, expected to return: TBC

Devan Flanders, ankle, expected to return: TBC