Two Magpies to start for Canes against Force
Check out the above photo of the Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby players who are in the Hurricanes squad.
Yes, the astute Super Rugby followers among you will notice midfielder Danny Toala is missing. But more important is the fact two of the five above, No 8 Gareth Evans (left) and lock Isaia Walker-Leawere (second from right) will start for the Canes in Friday night's third round Trans-Tasman clash against the Western Force at Napier's McLean Park.
Prop Pouri Rakete-Stones (second from left) has been named as a substitute while outside back Lolagi Visinia (centre) and loosie Devan Flanders (right) missed out on a berth in the 23 which includes the return of All Black loosie Ardie Savea.
Highly respected loose forward Reed Prinsep will captain the Hurricanes. Prinsep has been a constant in the Hurricanes loose forwards over a long period of time with his impressive work rate and decision making part of his leadership qualities.
The 28-year-old takes over the captaincy from All Black hooker Dane Coles who has been given the week off as Hurricanes head coach Jason Holland continues to utilise the squad and create competition for positions.
Dynamic hooker Asafo Aumua takes over the No 2 jersey in one of a number of changes to the forward pack which helped beat the Rebels at Sky Stadium last round. Former Magpies hooker Ricky Riccitelli will get game time off the pine.
Impressive lock Walker-Leawere comes into the second row while the experience of utility loose forward Evans will be used in the run-on side after he returned to action off the bench against the Rebels.
Halfback Luke Campbell also returns to the starting XV while Orbyn Leger will again start at first five-eighth after Ruben Love was unavailable due to a shoulder injury that wasn’t 100% ready for this match.
There are also changes in the midfield and outside backs with Salesi Rayasi returning to the left-wing and Peter Umaga-Jensen partnering Ngani Laumape in the centres.
Holland has also mixed up the bench which sees the exciting return of club captain Savea following his knee injury during Super Rugby Aotearoa.
“There will obviously be some focus on Ardie’s return, which is great for us, but the squad as a whole are really looking forward to trying to improve week by week, which is our major focus,” Holland said.
“The competition has brought some real energy to everyone and we see that in our preparation. We’re also looking forward to mixing with our great fans in Hawke’s Bay where we have really enjoyed great support and had some fantastic games over the last few years.”
Kick-off at McLean Park is 7.05pm.
The Hurricanes squad to face the Force is:
Jordie Barrett, Wes Goosen, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Ngani Laumape, Salesi Rayasi, Orbyn Leger, Luke Campbell, Gareth Evans, Du'plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep (captain), Scott Scrafton, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia.
Substitutes: Forwards, Ricky Riccitelli, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Alex Fidow, James Blackwell, Ardie Savea. Backs, Cam Roigard, Billy Proctor, Vince Aso.
