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Just one change for the Hurricanes to play the Fijian Drua in home opener

By Ben Smith
Just one change for the Hurricanes to play the Fijian Drua in home opener
Du'Plessis Kirifi of the Hurricanes leads his team onto the field during the round one Super Rugby Pacific match between Crusaders and Hurricanes at Apollo Projects Stadium, on February 14, 2025, in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

The Hurricanes have named their team to face the Fijian Drua as they prepare for their home opener after last week's round one loss to the Crusaders.

They have made just one change to the starting XV, with lock Hugo Plummer replacing Isaia Walker-Leawere. Former Highlanders lock Will Tucker comes onto the bench and is set to make his club debut

Loose forwards Brad Shields and Du'Plessis Kirifi will co-captain the side with No 8 Braydon Iose forming the back row, while Xavier Numia, Jacob Devery and Tevita Mafileo form the front row.

New halves pair Cam Roigard and Harry Godfrey resume their partnership for the second consecutive week leading an unchanged backline.

Hurricanes team to play Fijian Drua:

1. Xavier Numia

2. Jacob Devery

3. Tevita Mafileo

4. Caleb Delany

5. Hugo Plummer

6. Brad Shields (cc)

7. Du'Plessis Kirifi (cc)

8. Braydon 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. Will Tucker*

20. Peter Lakai

21. Ere Enari

22. Riley Hohepa

23. Ngatungane Punivai