WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – APRIL 13: Asafo Aumua of the Hurricanes leaves the field after warming up during the round eight Super Rugby Pacific match between Hurricanes and Chiefs at Sky Stadium, on April 13, 2024, in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
At a Glance:
- Saturday’s match is the 150th Super Rugby match to be played at Sky Stadium. The first game at Our House was on February 25, 2000.
- Hurricanes face the Highlanders at Sky Stadium in week 15 of DHL Super Rugby Pacific.
- Salesi Rayasi is named for his 50th Hurricanes match, on the left wing
- Tevita Mafileo is named for his 50th Super Rugby appearance having played seven for the Chiefs before coming to the Hurricanes in 2020.
After opening the penultimate round of DHL Super Rugby Pacific with a nail biter in Hamilton, the Hurricanes return home as they welcome the challenge of the Highlanders.
Celebrating heritage round, the Hurricanes will debut their 1997 heritage jersey as the men from the south make the trip to Sky Stadium.
A strong opening stanza in Hamilton gave the Hurricanes the advantage in what turned out to be a back and forward tussle, with the Hurricanes twice reduced to 14-men.
Laidlaw said he was happy with the way the side adapted, after playing 30 minutes with a player down.
“We work through scenarios, and we are happy with the work we put. They put us under enough pressure for us to be able to stick to our plan when situations present themselves.”
The Hurricanes, who have enjoyed a strong season under a new coaching group – will be looking to put in an excellent performance in front of their home fans, for the final time in the regular season.
For Laidlaw, it was exciting to be able to get back home, before the finals.
“It’s Our House, and a place we are proud to play – we’re proud to play for our members, fans, partners and our families. We’d love to see a big crowd there as we push toward the finals.”
Asafo Aumua and James Tucker return to the run-on side. After missing the Chiefs game with injury, Du’Plessis Kirifi comes in at seven, with Peter Lakai shifting to the bench.
In his 50th game for the Hurricanes, Salesi Rayasi starts on the left wing with the rest of the backline unchanged from the Chiefs match.
On the bench, Tevita Mafileo is set for his 50thSuper Rugby match, having played seven for the Chiefs prior to joining the Hurricanes. James O’Reilly and Pouri Rakete-Stones round out the front row.
Jordi Viljoen will be in the 21 jersey, with Riley Higgins and Bailyn Sullivan rounding out the bench.
The Hurricanes team take on the Highlanders at Sky Stadium, Saturday 1 June 4:35pm
- Xavier Numia
- Asafo Aumua
- Pasilio Tosi
- James Tucker
- Isaia Walker-Leawere
- Devan Flanders
- Du’Plessis Kirifi
- Brayden Iose
- TJ Perenara
- Brett Cameron
- Salesi Rayasi (50th Hurricanes Match)
- Jordie Barrett
- Billy Proctor
- Josh Moorby
- Ruben Love
- James O’Reilly
- Pouri Rakete-Stones
- Tevita Mafileo (50th Super Rugby Match)
- Justin Sangster
- Peter Lakai
- Jordi Viljoen
- Riley Higgins
- Bailyn Sullivan
Unavailable: Cam Roigard, Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Brad Shields
