Hurricanes Host Final Round Robin Clash
Cory Jane of the Hurricanes. Photo by Gallo.
The Hurricanes are back in action on Friday night following their second bye of the competition to take on Super Rugby leaders, the Chiefs. This is the final round robin game for the Hurricanes and their last chance to make a bid for the top six.
Victor Vito returns to the starting 15 for the Hurricanes after a knee injury suffered during the All Blacks first Test against Ireland on June 9, with Brad Shields dropping back to the bench. Cory Jane has been bracketed with Alapati Leiua as cover on the wing. Friday would be Jane’s first game back since an ankle injury suffered against the Brumbies in round 13.
Chris Eaton has been bracketed with Frae Wilson at halfback. While Jamie Nutbrown, who was drafted in as cover on Monday, is a possibility for the bench if Eaton does not recover from his hamstring strain.
The clash with the Chiefs will bring up the milestone of 50 Super Rugby caps for three of the home side – Faifili Levave (Chiefs 12, Hurricanes 37), Tim Bateman (Crusaders 35, Hurricanes 14) and Ben May (Crusaders 2, Chiefs 33, Hurricanes 14).
Friday night’s game will also have special significance for injured player, Seti Tafua. The former Poneke player fractured his vertebrae playing rugby in Australia two weeks ago so the Hurricanes will hold a bucket collection at the gates to help fundraise money to support his recovery. There will also be a chance for fans to donate an automatic $3 from their phone by texting SETI or a message of support to 4419. This service will be open until 5th August.
Kick off this Friday at Westpac Stadium is 7.35pm.
The Hurricanes team is as follows:
1. Reg Goodes
2. Dane Coles
3. Ben May
4. Jeremy Thrush
5. Jason Eaton
6. Faifili Levave
7. Jack Lam
8. Victor Vito
9. Chris Eaton / Frae Wilson
10. Beauden Barrett
11. Julian Savea
12. Tim Bateman
13. Conrad Smith (c)
14. Cory Jane / Alapati Leiua
15. Andre Taylor
Reserves
16. Motu Matu’u
17. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
18. James Broadhurst
19. Brad Shields
20. Frae Wilson / Jamie Nutbrown
21. Tusi Pisi
22. Jayden Hayward
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