Hurricanes welcome back Ardie Savea for Highlanders blockbuster

The return of world-class backrower Ardie Savea headlines a new-look Hurricanes side ahead of their highly anticipated clash with the Highlanders on Saturday night.

After recording a thrilling three-point win over the Western Force in Palmerston North last weekend, the Hurricanes are within touching distance of the ladder leading Chiefs.

The Hurricanes are in control of their own destiny, and would leap into first place on the ladder with a bonus point win over the in-form Highlanders in Dunedin.

Head coach Jason Holland has made nine changes to the starting XV ahead of the trip down south, which includes a new halves combination.

Prop Xavier Numia is back in the No. 1 jersey this week, while Pouri Rakete-Stones has been relegated to the bench.

Dane Coles, Tyrel Lomax, James Blackwell and Isaia Walker-Leawere make up the rest of the Hurricanes’ tight five.

Brayden Iose, who started at No. 8 against the Force, shifts to the blindside flank. Iose and Savea will join Du’Plessis Kirifi in the backrow.

As for the backline, halfback Cam Roigard is back. The rising star will partner Aidan Morgan in the halves after flyhalf Brett Cameron was injured in round six.

“Great to have Aidan back after a head knock in the Waratahs game. We expect that he will slot in easily to run our game,” coach Jason Holland said in a statement.

Billy Proctor, Julian Savea and Mosh Moorby have also returned to the run-on side for this weekends clash.

Hurricanes team to take on Highlanders

1. Xavier Numia
2. Dane Coles
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. James Blackwell
5. Isaia Walker-Leawere
6. Brayden Iose
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi
8. Ardie Savea (c)
9. Cam Roigard
10. Aidan Morgan
11. Salesi Rayasi
12. Jordie Barrett
13. Billy Proctor
14. Julian Savea
15. Josh Moorby

Replacements:

16. Asafo Aumua
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones
18. Owen Franks
19. TK Howden
20. Peter Lakai
21. Jamie Booth
22. Harry Godfrey
23. Peter Umaga-Jensen

Unavailable: Ruben Love, Caleb Delany, Tyler Laubscher, Reed Prinsep, Justin Sangster, TJ Perenara, Jacob Devery, Devan Flanders, Brett Cameron