HURRICANES NAMED FOR SEMI-FINAL

Jun 25 • General News, Super Rugby • 2381 Views • Comments Off on HURRICANES NAMED FOR SEMI-FINAL

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd has named his team to face the Brumbies in the first Super Rugby Semi-Final for 2015.

With the only injury to hinder the side being that of Cory Jane (hamstring), Boyd has named Nehe Milner-Skudder on the right wing and given James Marshall the fullback duties.

Blade Thomson and Matt Proctor have both returned from injury and will take the bench for the ‘Canes on Saturday.

The Hurricanes last held a Semi-Final at Westpac Stadium back in 2006, where they clinched a 16-14 win over the Waratahs. Ma’a Nonu was the only current Hurricane to play in that match.

Hurricanes chief executive James Te Puni said it was shaping up to be the biggest game at the stadium over the past decade, and encouraged fans who wanted to be a part of it to buy now.

“This is a historic occasion for the Hurricanes and we’re thrilled at the prospect of selling out. It’s a real tribute to our fans that they’ve turned out in such huge numbers, and I’m sure the team will be buoyed by the fantastic crowd.”

Tickets have been sold around the country for the match, with full Tranzit Coachlines buses set to make their way over and down from neighbouring provinces.

Extra carriages and services on all train lines have been implemented, while Go Wellington stadium shuttles will be running from Courtney Place before and after the match.Westpac Stadium chief executive Shane Harmon said preparations for a packed house were in full swing down on Waterloo Quay.

“It’s fantastic to see the whole region buzzing in anticipation for Saturday night and what is the Hurricanes’ biggest match in nine years.

“We’re planning for a full house, so we strongly recommend fans give themselves plenty of time to get to the stadium so they’re in their seats for kick-off,” he said.

To cater for those who do get there early, there will be pre-match entertainment in the stadium from 6.30pm, courtesy of New Zealand X-Factor favourite, Nofo Lameko. Pacific Island drummers, face painters, and members of the Hurricanes squad will also entertain the masses on the stadium walkway and plaza.

Lameko’s performance will be followed by an on-field tribute to Jerry Collins, involving the Northern United Rugby Club in association with the Hurricanes. All proceeds from the evening’s programme collection will also be donated to the Give a Little Jerry Collins Memorial Fund.

Hurricanes XV:

1. Reggie Goodes
2. Dane Coles
3. Ben Franks
4. Jeremy Thrush
5. James Broadhurst
6. Brad Shields
7. Ardie Savea
8. Victor Vito
9. TJ Perenara
10. Beauden Barrett
11. Julian Savea
12. Ma’a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith (c)
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder
15. James Marshall

Replacements

16. Brayden Mitchell
17. Chris Eves
18. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
19. Mark Abbott
20. Blade Thomson
21. Chris Smylie
22. Rey Lee-Lo
23. Matt Proctor