Live updates of the Super Rugby Pacific clash between the Hurricanes and Brumbies as Super Round continues at the new One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.
– Hurricanes are coming off a defeat to the Chiefs, giving up top spot
– The Brumbies also lost last week, going down to the Drua in Canberra
– The Brumbies knocked the Hurricanes out at the quarter-final stage last season
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The Hurricanes were stunned by a late Wallace Sititi try last week, which dropped them to second place on the table. They have made several changes to their starting line-up to make sure that doesn’t happen again.
Co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi returns to the starting 15 for his 100th Super Rugby match, while a new front row of Siale Lauaki, Raymond Tuputupu and Tevita Mafileo will look to dominate the scrum.
Head coach Clark Laidlaw highlighted how Kirifi had grown into his position.
“We’re extremely proud of him, the way he leads and the way he plays.
“He’s a spiritual leader and often sets the tone on the field around the physicality and the breakdown.
“He’s really grown his game to become an all-round No 7 where he can make impact on the ball and make impact at the breakdown, but has also really improved his attacking skills and awareness around the field.”
The Brumbies will have beaten every New Zealand side if they overcome the Hurricanes this weekend. They come into the match with good form against their opponents, having won six of their last eight match-ups.
Andy Muirhead returns to the wing and will be a real threat, having made 549 metres in 94 carries this season.
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Hurricanes: 1. Siale Lauaki, 2. Raymond Tuputupu, 3. Tevita Mafileo, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Warner Dearns, 6. Devan Flanders, 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 8. Brayden Iose, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Fehi Fineanganofo, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Josh Moorby, 15. Callum Harkin.
Bench: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. Xavier Numia, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Brad Shields, 20. Peter Lakai, 21. Ereatara Enari, 22. Jone Rova, 23. Josh Gray.
Brumbies: 1. James Slipper, 2. Billy Pollard, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Nick Frost, 5. Lachie Shaw, 6. Rob Valentini, 7. Rory Scott, 8. Tuaina Taii Tualima, 9. Ryan Lonergan, 10. Declan Meredith, 11. Corey Toole, 12. David Feliuai, 13. Kadin Pritchard, 14. Andy Muirhead, 15. Tom Wright.
Bench: 16. Lochlan Lonergan, 17. Blake Schoupp, 18. Darcy Breen, 19. Toby MacPherson, 20. Luke Reimer, 21. Klayton Thorn, 22. Tane Edmed, 23. Ollie Sapsford.
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