Hurricanes get Coles back for SA Tour
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Hurricanes head coach John Plumtree has named a 27-man squad to tour South Africa for their Super Rugby matches against the Sharks and Lions.
The squad features the return of club captain Dane Coles and experienced loose forward Gareth Evans who have been sidelined with calf injuries.
Coles last featured for the Hurricanes in their Round Five match against the Chiefs while Evans has not played since the Round Two match against the Crusaders.
The pair played club rugby in Wellington on Saturday and satisfied Plumtree that they were ready to make the two-match tour.
“We have been patient with both players through their rehab and we think that is really going to benefit us at the back of this season,” he said.
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The touring squad features a 16-forward, 11-back split and also sees the return of flyhalf Beauden Barrett who missed the Hurricanes loss to the Jaguares due to the second of his All Black rest weeks.
The Hurricanes returned to work on Friday following the second of their byes and Plumtree was pleased with the attitude as they prepare to travel to the republic.
“We were obviously disappointed with the result against the Jaguares after what had been a good four week period for us,” he said.
“The next two matches are vital for us in South Africa as we push for a home quarterfinal but we know the size of the challenge against two quality sides who are also fighting really hard for places at the top of their conference.”
The Hurricanes squad to tour South Africa:
Forwards: Jeff To’omaga-Allen, Fraser Armstrong, Toby Smith, Chris Eves, Ross Geldenhuys, Dane Coles, Asafo Aumua, Ricky Riccitelli, James Blackwell, Kane Le’aupepe, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Ardie Savea, Gareth Evans, Vaea Fifita, Reed Prinsep, Du’Plessis Kirifi.
Backs: TJ Perenara, Richard Judd, Beauden Barrett, James Marshall, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Ngani Laumape, Matt Proctor, Wes Goosen, Jordie Barrett, Ben Lam, Chase Tiatia.
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