Hurricanes bring Barrett for Blues clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Vince Aso will play his 50th game for the Hurricanes as they get ready to face the Blues in Wellington on Saturday.
The Wellington-based Super Rugby team has made just two changes to its starting line-up, following a massive 62–15 win against the Sunwolves in Napier.
Jordie Barrett comes back into the fold at fullback will be the only change made to the backline.
Up front, Isaia Walker-Leawere gets the nod at lock ahead of James Blackwell who will start the game on the bench.
Head coach, Jason Holland, says management is spoilt for choice when it comes to selection.
“We have a competitive squad, with a lot of depth. When we sit down early in the week to discuss the line-up, we’re always faced with a challenge around who we pick and it’s natural that one or two will be disappointed.”
TJ Perenara will once again take the role of captain, with Dane Coles named in the side but on the bench.
Kobus Van Wyk has his second chance to shine at right wing, after a triumphant debut which saw him score three tries last weekend.
Hurricanes: 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Vince Aso, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Ben Lam, 10 Fletcher Smith, 9 TJ Perenara (captain), 8 Gareth Evans, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Vaea Fifita, 5 Scott Scrafton, 4 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Xavier Numia.
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18 Alex Fidow, 19 James Blackwell, 20 Devan Flanders, 21 Jamie Booth, 22 Billy Proctor, 23 Wes Goosen.
Date: Saturday, March 7
Venue: Sky Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19.05 (06.05 GMT)
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Rasta Rasivhenge (South Africa), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
TMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)
