Hurricanes century for Jane
There is just one personnel change in the backs where Julian Savea comes back into the side on the left wing pushing Jason Woodward back to fullback in place of James Marshall, who will miss Saturday’s match due to concussion.
In the pack, Victor Vito returns from a calf strain to start at No.8, while Brad Shields has recovered from the cut hand he suffered against the Force in Palmerston North and takes his place at blindside flanker.
The return of the two loose forwards means Blade Thomson shuffles into lock to partner Michael Fatialofa, while Vaea Fifita moves into the reserves.
The final change comes in the front row where loosehead prop Reggie Goodes has recovered from concussion to replace Chris Eves in the starting team.
Eves moves onto a rejigged reserves bench that features the return of Samoan Test hooker Motu Matu’u from a calf injury that’s previously delayed his start to the season.
Fififta and Eves push Geoff Cridge and Loni Uhila respectively out of the match day 23, while scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park comes in for Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi and flyhalf Otere Black for Vince Aso.
Cory Jane will take his place among an exclusive group of Hurricanes when he runs out for his 100th Super Rugby match against the Jaguares at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.
The 33-year old will start on the right wing, making him just the eighth player to earn a century of caps for the Hurricanes after Tana Umaga, Rodney So’oialo, Neemia Tialata, Ma’a Nonu, Andrew Hore, Conrad Smith and Jeremy Thrush.
“It’s a massive honour to join that list and to be part of that group is something I’m extremely proud of,” Jane said. “I had to work hard to become a Hurricane and once I got there I just didn’t want to let it go. I never thought I’d reach 100 games and I feel very privileged to have been doing what I love for the team I love for such a long time.”
It’s taken Jane more than nine years to achieve the milestone after making his debut as a 24-year-old against the Reds in Brisbane in 2007.
He scored a try that day and has scored 24 for the Hurricanes in total, placing him seventh on the club’s all-time try scoring list behind Christian Cullen 56), Ma’a Nonu (48), Tana Umaga (47), TJ Perenara (34), Julian Savea (31) and Hosea Gear (26).
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said Jane’s achievement was a significant one for any player.
“It’s a mark of his professionalism that he’s kept himself in such great nick over such a long time. He’s been a real servant for the Hurricanes and for that the club should be very grateful.
“Hopefully we can put in a performance against the Jaguares that makes it a memorable occasion for Cory and his family and I’m sure the players are highly motivated to do just that this weekend.”
Hurricanes: 15 Jason Woodward, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Willis Halaholo, 12 Julian Savea, 11 Ngani Laumape, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Brad Shields, 5 Blade Thomson, 4 Michael Fatialofa, 3 Jeff Toomaga-Allen, 2 Dane Coles (c), 1 Reggie Goodes.
Replacements: 16 Motu Matu’u, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Ben May, 19 Vaea Fifita, 20 Callum Gibbins, 21 Jamison Gibson-Park, 22 Otere Black, 23 Matt Proctor
Date: Saturday, April 9
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19.35 (17.35 AUST, 07.35 GMT)
Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand), Brett Johnson (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
