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He's back: Julian Savea returns to the Hurricanes for remainder of Super Rugby Aotearoa

(Photo by Kerry Marshall/Getty Images)

The injury-hit Hurricanes have called upon one of the club’s favourite sons in the form of Julian Savea for the side’s remaining two fixtures of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

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Hurricanes head coach Jason Holland confirmed the news on Monday, but it’s uncertain how much playing time the 29-year-old will be handed as he won’t be fit for his team’s next outing against the Chiefs following their upcoming bye week.

That leaves just the Highlanders clash on August 15 in Dunedin as the only realistic chance for Savea to take the field this season, but it remains a coup nonetheless for the Wellington franchise.

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Aride Savea interview

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Aride Savea interview

Rumours swirled on social media over the weekend when Savea’s younger brother and star Hurricanes loose forward Ardie hinted at a potential return to Sky Stadium for his older brother.

Julian tweeted a video of Ardie in action against the Crusaders on Saturday, only for the latter to share that tweet on his own account with the caption “See you soon”.

Savea’s arrival back at the Hurricanes is a timely one given the recent departure of barnstorming wing Ben Lam, who played his 50th and final match for the franchise on Saturday before departing to take up a contract with French club Bordeaux.

The Hurricanes will also be without in-form midfielder Ngani Laumape, who sustained a broken forearm in the record-breaking win over the Crusaders, while prop Fraser Armstrong also picked up a fracture, Holland confirmed.

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“Both Ngani and Fraser have both got fractures so will have to have operations in the next few days, both of them. Which is bittersweet when you look at the result but that’s life and that’s footy.”

With one-cap All Blacks loose forward Gareth Evans also out for the season, the Hurricanes are looking to recruit “three to four” replacement players, which includes the re-signing of Savea.

The 54-test All Blacks, who played an integral role in New Zealand’s 2015 World Cup triumph, has been based in Auckland since returning from French club Toulon, but is yet to take the field in any capacity on Kiwi shores.

He joins Blues first-five Dan Carter and Highlanders wing Nehe Milner-Skudder in re-joining Super Rugby in New Zealand after having signed with offshore clubs.

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Following this week’s bye, the Hurricanes will take on the winless Chiefs in Wellington on August 8.

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R
RedWarrior 38 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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LONG READ
LONG READ England need to face a few home truths if they are to relearn that winning habit England need to face a few home truths if they are to relearn that winning habit
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