Ruben Love relocated, potential debut for Hurricanes vs Moana Pasifika

The Hurricanes have made a handful of changes in their matchday 23 to face Moana Pasifika, including a potential debut off the bench for Tjay Clarke.

All Black hooker Asafo Aumua will miss the contest with concussion, making room for Jacob Devery to start in the No.2 jersey, with Raymond Tuputupu coming off the bench. Hugo Plummer and Devan Flanders also join the starting XV after appearances off the bench in Brisbane last week.

Brett Cameron makes his first start of the season at 10, moving Ruben Love back to fullback, where he’ll join Bailyn Sullivan and Fatafehi Fineanganofo in the back three.

A win would secure a top 4 finish for the Hurricanes, meaning even a loss in the qualifying finals would see them make the semis.

Hurricanes Head Coach Clark Laidlaw said: “We’re excited to play a really tough, highly motivated Moana Pasifika team who are chasing a playoff spot for the first time in their history. We’re trying to finish as high up in the table as possible for the playoffs, so I’m sure both teams have plenty of motivation to play well.

“A couple of milestones with Tryel making his 100th New Zealand Super Rugby appearance and Tjay Clarke making his debut, which are nice for this week.

“We’ve had to make a few changes to the forward pack. Devan Flanders starts for the first time this year to try to get his minutes up as we head into the playoffs.

“In the backs, we’re giving Brett Cameron a start, we’re delighted about how Ruben has steered the ship, and he could end up there later in the game anyway, but it gives BC, similar to Devan, an opportunity to start the game and run the cutter from the start alongside Ruben.

“We’re enjoying those two boys working together; they’ve been a really good combination the last couple of weeks, and they now get a chance to do it together right from the start this week.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

51

20

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

80%

Hurricanes team to play Moana Pasifika

1. Xavier Numia
2. Jacob Devery
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Zach Gallagher
5. Hugo Plummer
6. Devan Flanders
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (Co Captain)
8. Peter Lakai
9. Cam Roigard
10. Brett Cameron
11. Fatafehi Fineanganofo
12. Peter Umaga-Jensen
13. Billy Proctor (Co Captain)
14. Bailyn Sullivan
15. Ruben Love

Impact  

16. Raymond Tuputupu
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones
18. Pasilio Tosi
19. Will Tucker
20. Brad Shields (Co Captain)
21. Ereatara Enari
22. Jone Rova
23. Tjay Clarke (Debut)