The Hurricanes have named their team to face the Fijian Drua as they prepare for their home opener after last week’s round one loss to the Crusaders.
They have made just one change to the starting XV, with lock Hugo Plummer replacing Isaia Walker-Leawere. Former Highlanders lock Will Tucker comes onto the bench and is set to make his club debut
Loose forwards Brad Shields and Du’Plessis Kirifi will co-captain the side with No 8 Braydon Iose forming the back row, while Xavier Numia, Jacob Devery and Tevita Mafileo form the front row.
New halves pair Cam Roigard and Harry Godfrey resume their partnership for the second consecutive week leading an unchanged backline.
Hurricanes team to play Fijian Drua:
1. Xavier Numia
2. Jacob Devery
3. Tevita Mafileo
4. Caleb Delany
5. Hugo Plummer
6. Brad Shields (cc)
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (cc)
8. Braydon Iose
9. Cam Roigard
10. Harry Godfrey
11. Kini Naholo
12. Peter Umaga-Jensen
13. Bailyn Sullivan
14. Fatafehi Fineanganofo
15. Callum Harkin
Reserves
16. Raymond Tuputupu
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones
18. Pasilio Tosi
19. Will Tucker*
20. Peter Lakai
21. Ere Enari
22. Riley Hohepa
23. Ngatungane Punivai