All Blacks duo return to boost Hurricanes
Jul 19, 2017 - 3:50 AM All Blacks Beauden Barrett and Dane Coles return to boost the Hurricanes for their Super Rugby quarter-final clash against the Brumbies in Canberra on Friday.Five-eighth Barrett's return after missing the final match of the regular season against the Crusaders with a sinus infection is the only change to the starting 15.
Barrett's replacement against the Crusaders, Otere Black, moves to the reserves, but the rest of the Hurricanes backline remains unchanged.
Jordie Barrett will again start at centre with Vince Aso ruled out for a second match due to a groin strain.
Coles hasn't played since suffering concussion against the Highlanders on March 18, and will make his return via the reserves bench.
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd says his squad are preparing for a tough battle, despite their 56-21 victory over the Brumbies in Napier in round nine.
"The Brumbies are a quality side and we're not reading anything into their results this season. They have a proven record in Super Rugby over a long period and will be hard to beat at home," he said.
The Brumbies finished the 2017 regular season as the Australian conference champions with a record of six wins and nine losses.
Overall, the Hurricanes have played the Brumbies 23 times in Super Rugby, for 10 wins and 13 losses.
The Brumbies hold an 8-4 advantage at GIO Stadium.
Hurricanes: Nehe Milner-Skudder, Wes Goosen, Jordie Barrett, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara (captain), Brad Shields, Ardie Savea, Vaea Fifita, Sam Lousi, Mark Abbott, Jeff To'omaga-Allen, Ricky Riccitelli, Ben May. Reserves: Dane Coles, Chris Eves, Loni Uhila, Reed Prinsep, Callum Gibbins, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Otere Black, Cory Jane.
Source: AAP
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Second-half fade kills Hurricanes' hopes Jul 29
- Savea dropped to bench for Hurricanes semi Jul 27
- Wallaby prop Toby Smith joins Hurricanes Jul 27
- Coles ready to start 100th Hurricanes game Jul 25
- Brumbies won't slow rugby playoff: Canes Jul 20
- Canes unmoved by Brumbies not-so-Super run Jul 19
- Hurricanes end Crusaders unbeaten run Jul 15
- Hurricanes chase crucial Super Rugby win Jul 14
- Laumape, Fifita in new Canes rugby deals Jul 12
- All Blacks show Hurricanes the way Jun 25
- Chiefs hold off Canes 17-14 in Super Rugby Jun 9