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Jordie Barrett returns for the Hurricanes while Vince Aso gears up for 50th match

Jordie Barrett and Vince Aso. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

Vince Aso will play his 50th game of Super Rugby as the Hurricanes get ready to face the Blues at Sky Stadium on Saturday.

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The Wellington-based Super Rugby team has made just two changes to its starting line-up, following a massive 62 – 15 win against the Sunwolves in Napier.

Jordie Barrett coming back into the fold as fullback will be the only change made to the backline.

Up front, Isaia Walker-Leawere gets the nod at lock ahead of James Blackwell who will start the game on the bench.

Head coach Jason Holland says management is spoilt for choice when it comes to selection.

“We have a competitive squad, with a lot of depth. When we sit down early in the week to discuss the line-up, we’re always faced with a challenge around who we pick and it’s natural that one or two will be disappointed.”

Continue reading below…

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TJ Perenara will once again take the role of captain, with Dane Coles named in the side but on the bench.

Kobus Van Wyk has his second chance to shine at right wing, after a triumphant debut which saw him score three tries last weekend.

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His strength and speed are things Holland hopes to utilise this weekend.

“If we can get our attacking game operating like it was last week, it should be quite an exciting game to watch. We cannot underestimate the Blues. They have some big boys up front and their defensive capability is solid. “

The first NZ derby clash this week, coincides with the theme of Mana Moana – a celebration of Pacific and Maori culture alongside players past and present.

Du’Plessis Kirifi, says it makes being selected to start as flanker even more special.

“We’ve had some tough games but there’s nothing like playing another NZ team. They’re big, they’re physical and there’s a lot on the line each time we step on the field. It’s an added bonus knowing we’ll be celebrating our Pacific and Maori culture this week as well. I Can’t wait to run out under those lights in the yellow jersey.”

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The fans will also be treated to cultural performances, lei giveaways, moko painting and other Maori and Pacific celebrations.

Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Kobus van Wyk, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Fletcher Smith, TJ Perenara, Gareth Evans, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Vaea Fifita, Scott Scrafton, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Tyler Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Reserves: Dane Coles, Pouri Rekete-Stones, Alex Fidow, James Blackwell, Devan Flanders, Jamie Booth, Billy Proctor, Wes Goosen.

– Hurricanes Rugby

WATCH: Hurricanes coach Jason Holland answers from RugbyPass fans on Sky Sport NZ’s The Breakdown.

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B
Bull Shark 5 hours ago
Rassie Erasmus' Boks selection policy is becoming bizarre

To be fair, the only thing that drives engagement on this site is over the top critiques of Southern Hemisphere teams.


Or articles about people on podcasts criticizing southern hemisphere teams.


Articles regarding the Northern Hemisphere tend to be more positive than critical. I guess to also rile up kiwis and Saffers who seem to be the majority of followers in the comments section. There seems to be a whole department dedicated to Ireland’s world ranking news.


Despite being dialled into the Northern edition - I know sweet fokall about what’s going on in France.


And even less than fokall about what’s cutting in Japan - which has a fast growing, increasingly premium League competition emerging.


And let’s not talk about the pacific. Do they even play rugby Down there.


Oh and the Americas. I’ve read more articles about a young, stargazing Welshman’s foray into NFL than I have anything related to either the north and south continents of the Americas.


I will give credit that the women’s game is getting decent airtime. But for the rest and the above; it’s just pathetic coming from a World Rugby website.


Just consider the innovation emerging in Japan with the pedigree of coaches over there.


There’s so much good we could be reading.


Instead it’s unimaginative “critical for the sake of feigning controversial”. Which is lazy, because in order to pull that off all you need to be really good at is:


1. Being a doos;

2. Having an opinion.


No prior experience needed.


Which is not journalism. That’s like all or most of us in the comments section. People like Finn (who I believe is a RP contributor).


Anyway. Hopefully it will get better. The game is growing and the interest in the game is growing. Maybe it will attract more qualified journalists over time.

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