Hurricanes team to play the Chiefs in top of the table clash

The Hurricanes have announced their team lineup for their highly anticipated match against the Chiefs this Saturday afternoon in Wellington, with a few changes from last week's victorious performance against the Highlanders.

Hooker Asafo Aumua will be returning to the starting lineup, while Dane Coles, who is celebrating his 300th first-class match this weekend, is set to bring his impact off the bench.

Xavier Numia and Tyrel Lomax pack down alongside Aumua in the front row while in the second row James Blackwell has been paired with Dominic Bird.

Props Tevita Mafileo and Pasilio Tosi will be providing impact off the bench along with TK Howden.

Devan Flanders also returns from injury to blindside, shifting Brayden Iose to the bench.

Alongside Flanders is captain Ardie Savea at No 8 and Du'Plessis Kirifi at openside.

In form halfback Cam Roigard partners young first five Aidan Morgan in the halves while in the midfield Peter Umaga-Jensen will be making his first start of the season alongside Jordie Barrett, as Billy Proctor is unfortunately ruled out due to injury.

Julian Savea is also back in his regular starting position, marking his 148th Super Rugby appearance and sitting just two tries away from the Super Rugby try-scoring record.

Rounding out the back three is fullback Josh Moorby and in-form left winger Salesi Rayasi.

The Hurricanes are aiming for a fifth successive win this weekend, a feat they haven't accomplished since 2020.

Hurricanes head coach Jason Holland emphasized the importance of physicality and accuracy in their approach, which will enable them to play their style of rugby to secure a win.

“The Chiefs are a quality side. They have a powerful forward pack and are complimented with some exciting backs who are scoring some great tries," he said.

“We need to be physical and accurate in everything we do to enable us to play our style of rugby to win this weekend."

Hurricanes named to take on the Chiefs:

1 Xavier Numia

2 Asafo Aumua

3 Tyrel Lomax

4 James Blackwell

5 Dominic Bird

6 Devan Flanders

7 Du’Plessis Kirifi

8 Ardie Savea (c)

9 Cameron Roigard

10 Aidan Morgan

11 Salesi Rayasi

12 Jordie Barrett

13 Peter Umaga-Jensen

14 Julian Savea

15 Josh Moorby

Reserves

16 Dane Coles

17 Tevita Mafileo

18 Pasilio Tosi

19 TK Howden

20 Brayden Iose

21 Peter Lakai

22 Jamie Booth

23 Harry Godfrey

Unavailable for selection: Ruben Love, Caleb Delany, Tyler Laubscher, Reed Prinsep, Justin Sangster, TJ Perenara, Devan Flanders, Brett Cameron, Daniel Sinkinson, Billy Proctor, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Bailyn Sullivan