Hurricanes change three for Rebels

Wed, Mar 28, 2018, 5:20 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Vaea Fifita will return for the Hurricanes. Photo: Getty Images

Tender ribs have forced the Hurricanes to leave flanker Ardie Savea and centre Matt Proctor out of their Super Rugby match against the Melbourne Rebels.

In more positive injury news, Vaea Fifita is back from a shoulder niggle and will start Friday's match in Melbourne against the table-topping Rebels.

Coach Chris Boyd confirmed Savea and Proctor had both suffered rib damage in last week's 29-12 defeat of the Highlanders - a third straight Hurricanes win after they lost their opener to the Bulls.

Counties Manukau openside flanker Sam Henwood will make his Hurricanes debut in place of Savea, having played twice previously for the Chiefs.

Vince Aso comes off the bench to replace centre Proctor, reuniting the brilliant midfield pairing of 2017.


Last year Aso scored 14 Super Rugby tries, a figure only bettered by teammate Ngani Laumape's competition record-equalling 15.

Fifita comes in for Scotsman Murray Douglas at lock.

Two changes to the backline reserves see Jamie Booth replacing Richard Judd and Wes Goosen take Aso's berth after recovering from an ankle injury.

The Hurricanes could have their hands full in the first trans-Tasman clash of 2018.

The Rebels have averaged nearly six tries per game in winning four of five matches to top the overall standings.

TEAM

Hurricanes to face Rebels

1. Chris Eves

2. Ricky Riccitelli

3. Ben May

4. Vaea Fifita

5. Sam Lousi

6. Brad Shields

7. Sam Henwood

8. Gareth Evans 

9. TJ Perenara

10. Beauden Barrett

11. Ben Lam

12. Ngani Laumape

13. Vince Aso

14. Julian Savea

15. Jordie Barrett

Reserves

16. Asafo Aumua

17. Fraser Armstrong

18. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen

19. Michael Fatialofa

20. Reed Prinsep

21. Jamie Booth,

22. Ihaia West

23. Wes Goosen.

 

Share
Super Rugby Pacific Round Six Preview
Force 'heart and soul' Pomare set to reach rare Super W milestone
Michael Hooper is excited about the challenge of playing Sevens in Hong Kong. Photo: Nick Holland/RA Media
'Rookie' ex-Wallabies skipper Hooper ready to step up Sevens unknown
'Brumbies DNA': Wallabies selections on the line for Reds clash - Larkham