Hurricanes' injury concerns alleviated for Rebels quarter-final

The injury concerns over Hurricanes stars TJ Perenara and Ruben Love have been put to rest as the Wellington club have named both players in the starting XV for their quarter-final against the Rebels.

The pair have been named in a lethal backline which includes Salesi Rayasi on the left wing in the place of Kini Naholo. The former New Zealand sevens star has demanded the starting role through his strong recent form after starting the year on the bench.

Elsewhere, selection calls have been made to keep Devan Flanders as the starting blindside flanker, meaning Brad Shields will again make his impact on the game off the bench.

Tyrel Lomax remains unavailable, leaving Pasilio Tosi to start alongside the powerful Xavier Numia and Asafo Aumua in the front row. Aumua showed no signs of rust upon his return from injury last week, something his head coach commended ahead of the quarter-final.

“Asafo was extremely diligent in his rehab and that allowed him to get back out on the park for 40 minutes which was pleasing for him and us,” Clark Laidlaw said.

“We’re under no illusion, the Melbourne Rebels have an exciting backline, and their x-factor is a real threat, with numerous ball carriers across the field, it’ll be an amazing match.”

Having secured the top seed in a dramatic final weekend of results, the team are ready to show out in front of their home fans.

“The crowd was immense and has been building all season. How good is afternoon rugby – we’re keen to see a big crowd on Saturday to bring that extra energy.”

Hurricanes team to face the Rebels

1. Xavier Numia
2. Asafo Aumua
3. Pasilio Tosi

4. Justin Sangster

5. Isaia Walker-Leawere

6. Devan Flanders

7. Peter Lakai

8. Brayden Iose

9. TJ Perenara

10. Brett Cameron

11. Salesi Rayasi

12. Jordie Barrett (C)

13. Billy Proctor

14. Josh Moorby

15. Ruben Love

Reserves

16. James O’Reilly

17. Pouri Rakete-Stones

18. Tevita Mafileo

19. Brad Shields

20. Du’Plessis Kirifi

21. Richard Judd

22. Bailyn Sullivan

23. Kini Naholo

Unavailable: Cam Roigard, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Ben Grant