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Marshall given 10 jersey as Beauden Barrett sits out match with Jaguares
By Online Editors
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Hurricanes head coach John Plumtree has made just two changes to the starting XV to face the Jaguares in the round 14 Investec Super Rugby match at Westpac Stadium on Friday night.
The experienced James Marshall will start at first five-eighth in the absence of Beauden Barrett who is on the second of his All Black rest weeks while Du'Plessis Kirifi will start at openside flanker.
Marshall, who will make his 49th appearance for the Hurricanes, has impressed off the bench after returning from the shoulder injury he suffered in round one and gives the side maturity in a pivotal position.
Kirifi's inclusion sees Ardie Savea move to No 8 with Reed Prinsep unavailable after he suffered a bad cut to his face in the Hurricanes 22-12 win over the Blues last round.
There are four changes to the bench from last week with Heiden Bedwell-Curtis providing loose forward cover, Chris Eves comes in for an injured Fraser Armstrong while Fletcher Smith and Salesi Rayasi come into the match day squad.
Plumtree was impressed with the overall work of the whole squad at Eden Park and the impact they got off the bench against a really physical Blues side.
"We are expecting the same sort of physical challenge from the Jaguares who showed last year and last week against the Highlanders that they can perform really well in New Zealand," he said.
"They also play a really entertaining style of rugby and are prepared to use the ball from anyone on the field so our defence is going to have to be really good again this week.
"We really want to end this block of five games on a high in front of our fans and head into the bye week in good shape."
Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Wes Goosen, Matt Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, James Marshall, TJ Perenara (c), Ardie Savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Vaea Fifita, Isaia Walker-Leawere, James Blackwell, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Asafo Aumua, Toby Smith. Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Chris Eves, Ross Geldenhuys, Kane Le'aupepe, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Finlay Christie, Fletcher Smith, Salesi Rayasi.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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