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Barrett brothers rested for Sunwolves clash
TEAM NAMING: Hurricanes coach John Plumtree has rested a number of key stars from their side to face the Sunwolves in Japan on Friday night.
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Beauden and Jordie Barrett, as well as powerhouse Ardie Savea, have all remained in New Zealand as the rest of the team travels to Tokyo.
Matt Proctor and Fletcher Smith take the Barretts’ spots in the backline while Du’Plessis Kirifi gets another shot in the 7 jersey.
Liam Mitchell, in his first season with the Hurricanes, also returns to the starting lineup in place of fellow newbie Kane Le’aupepe.
In the reserves, Plumtree has reverted back to a 5-3 split after opting for only two back replacements against the Highlanders. James Marshall returns to the team after last playing in the Hurricanes’ first round match with the Waratahs.
Matt Proctor’s younger brother Billy, named on the bench, also last played in the round one match and will be looking to show that he has the goods to replace his older brother in the run-on side in the near future.
“There is no doubt the bye came at a good time for the squad which played 10 games in a row when you include our pre-season matches,” Plumtree said.
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“The players came back into work on Saturday and they have enjoyed a freshen up. They are really looking forward to facing a Sunwolves side who are also fresh off the bye and will be looking for a good performance in front of their home crowd.”
Hurricanes: Chase Tiatia, Wes Goosen, Matt Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Fletcher Smith, TJ Perenara (c), Reed Prinsep, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Vaea Fifita, Liam Mitchell, James Blackwell, Ben May, Ricky Riccitelli, Fraser Armstrong. Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia, Jeff To’omaga-Allen, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Sam Henwood, Richard Judd, James Marshall.
