Dane Coles returns for Hurricanes’ clash with Crusaders

The Hurricanes have welcomed back legendary hooker Dane Coles for their highly anticipated blockbuster against the Crusaders on Saturday.

Currently sitting in fifth place on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder, the Hurricanes need to win their final regular season game if they’re any chance of hosting a quarterfinal next weekend.

All Blacks and Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles is back in the starting side, while rising star Ruben Love is also set to return via the bench.

“We’re excited to have Colesy back this weekend,” coach Jason Holland said.

“We’ve been really careful with him to make sure he’s 100 per cent when he comes back, and he’s got himself into a really good spot.

“It’s been a long road for Ruben, hasn’t it? He’s worked hiss way back and got confidence in that groin,” Holland added.

“He’s stepping around and looking fast and strong, so he’ll have some time off the bench this weekend.

“it’s been good to have him back in training and getting a feel for all our systems again.”

Tevita Mafileo, Dane Coles and Tyrel Lomax will pack down in the front row, while James Blackwell and Caleb Delany make up the rest of the tight five.

The formidable loose forward trio of Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi and captain Ardie Savea will combine once again this week.

Cam Roigard and Brett Cameron will start in the halves, while Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor will link up in the midfield.

Kini Naholo, Daniel Sinkinson and Josh Moorby are the outside backs.

The match between the Hurricanes and Crusaders at Sky Stadium is set to get underway at 7.05pm NZST on Saturday at Wellington’s Sky Stadium.

The Junior Wallabies take on the Baby Blacks in the curtain raiser to this clash.

Hurricanes team to take on Crusaders

1. Tevita Mafileo
2. Dane Coles
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. James Blackwell
5. Caleb Delany
6. Devan Flanders
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi
8. Ardie Savea (c)
9. Cam Roigard
10. Brett Cameron
11. Kini Naholo
12. Jordie Barrett
13. Billy Proctor
14. Daniel Sinkinson
15. Josh Moorby

Replacements:

16. Jacob Devery
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones
18. Owen Franks
19. Justin Sangster
20. Brayden Iose
21. Jamie Booth
22. Ruben Love
23. Bailyn Sullivan

Unavailable for selection: Tyler Laubscher, Reed Prinsep, TJ Perenara, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Salesi Rayasi, Julian Savea

Unavailable due to New Zealand Under 20s commitments: Siale Lauaki, Peter Lakai, Cooper Flanders, Jordi Viljoen, Hunter Morrison, Harry Godfrey