New star keeps Jordie out of fullback spot
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Hurricanes head coach John Plumtree has named a settled squad to face the Highlanders in Friday’s Round Four Super Rugby match at Westpac Stadium.
Plumtree has made just two changes from the starting XV which impressed in their 43-13 win over the Brumbies last round.
Experienced prop Jeff To’omaga-Allen will start after coming off the bench last week while Jordie Barrett returns after he missed the match in Palmerston North.
Barrett will start on the right wing with impressive debutant Chase Tiatia retained at fullback after his excellent first-up performance.
The return of Barrett means Vince Aso moves to the reserves where hooker Asafo Aumua and prop Fraser Armstrong come in for the first time this season.
“We were really pleased with most aspects of our game against the Brumbies and we are looking to build on that by making minimal changes,” Plumtree said.
“There were obviously some tough calls when it came to selecting the side but we were really impressed with the way Chase handled his debut and he has been rewarded for that.
“The Highlanders are going to be a massive challenge for us, like all New Zealand derbies are, but we are very keen on maintaining our proud record at Westpac Stadium in front of our home fans.”
. @DoveMenCare Opening Night Lineup 🌪 pic.twitter.com/jX76lWLsDy
— Hurricanes Rugby (@Hurricanesrugby) March 6, 2019
Hurricanes: 15 Chase Tiatia, 14 Jordie Barrett, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Ben Lam, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Vaea Fifita, 5 Liam Mitchell, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Jeff To’omaga-Allen, 2 Dane Coles (captain), 1 Chris Eves.
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Fraser Armstrong, 18 Ben May, 19 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20 Reed Prinsep, 21 Richard Judd, 22 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 23 Vince Aso.
Date: Friday, March 8
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)
Referee: Damon Murphy (Australia)
Assistant referees: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand), Nick Hogan (New Zealand)
TMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)
