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Dane Coles returns and Jackson Garden-Bachop wins pivot battle for Blues rematch
Dane Coles will return from injury to start for the Hurricanes in this Saturday’s blockbuster match-up against the Blues at Sky Stadium.
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The Hurricanes currently sit four points shy of the Auckland-based side and will be in search of redemption following a 30 – 20 loss at Eden Park in round one.
Other than Coles, only two other changes have been made to the XV which beat the Highlanders last Sunday.
Jackson Garden-Bachop gets back the number 10 jersey from Fletcher Smith and Peter Umaga-Jensen makes a return to the mid-field.
Head coach, Jason Holland says after a slow start to the competition, momentum is building.
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“We can’t wait to get back out there in front of our home fans again. They have recovered well and are looking forward to the physical challenge “
Very little change has been made to the bench, but Fraser Armstrong comes back into the fold after sitting out for a week due to a knee injury.
Holland believes having depth is vital.
“It’s going to take 80 minutes to get the result and the bench can be the difference in these derbies.”
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Whilst the Blues have won their last two matches against the Hurricanes, they have not won three in succession since 2003.
Kick-off at Sky Stadium is at 7:05PM NZT.
Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Kobus van Wyk, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Jackson Garden-Bachop, TJ Perenara (cc), Ardie Savea, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Scott Scrafton, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Dane Cole, Ben May. Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Fraser Armstrong, Alex Fidow, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Vaea Fifita, Jamie Booth, Billy Proctor, Wes Goosen.
– Hurricanes Rugby
