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Jordie Barrett missing as Vaea Fifita returns for Hurricanes ahead of Crusaders clash

(Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

Two changes have been made to the Hurricanes starting line-up set to face the Crusaders at Sky Stadium this Sunday.

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The shake-up to the starting XV comes within the forward pack. Lock Vaea Fifita gets the nod ahead of Scott Scrafton, whilst Ardie Savea will start at number eight for the first time since his knee surgery late last year.

As reported earlier on Friday, star fullback Jordie Barrett has failed to make the team for a second week running as a troublesome shoulder injury keeps him sidelined.

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It’s the first live sporting event Wellington has hosted since before the lockdown, and crowds are predicted to be in excess of 20,000.

The Hurricanes will be looking to bounce back from a 30-20 loss to the Blues at Eden Park a week ago.

Head coach Jason Holland says the team has been working hard.

“It’s important we perform better in some key areas of the game and we have worked hard during the week to improve.”

The Crusaders are yet to play a game in the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition.

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Holland says the team is excited to be hosting a derby at home in front of fans.

“We can’t wait to play at our home stadium and are excited to play again in front of our awesome fans. Performing in front of them is a big driver for us this week.”

The Hurricanes team set to face the Crusaders this Sunday at Sky Stadium is:

1. Fraser Armstrong
2. Dane Coles [cc]
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. James Blackwell
5. Vaea Fifita
6. Reed Prinsep
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi
8. Ardie Savea
9. TJ Perenara [cc]
10. Jackson Garden-Bachop
11. Ben Lam
12. Ngani Laumape
13. Vince Aso
14. Wes Goosen
15. Chase Tiatia

REPLACEMENTS:                             
16. Asafo Aumua
17. Ben May
18. Alex Fidow
19. Scott Scrafton
20. Gareth Evans
21. Jamie Booth
22. Billy Proctor
23. Kobus Van Wyk

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R
RedWarrior 57 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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