Hurricanes Super rugby head coach Jason Holland has named Murphy Taramai to become Hurricane 274, after being named on the bench for this Sunday’s clash against the Highlanders at Sky Stadium.
The Hurricanes are looking for their second win of Super Rugby Aotearoa, after taking down the Chiefs 25 – 18 in Hamilton last week.
Due to minor injuries, Dane Coles, Fraser Armstrong, Gareth Evans and Reed Prinsep have not been included in the squad.
It means, Ben May, Asafo Aumua and Devan Flanders have been called up to the starting XV.
There’s also been a change at first five, as Fletcher Smith rotates with Jackson Garden-Bachop and Vince Aso has made his way back into the midfield – a heavily contested position.
The Hurricanes have won the last four games at Sky Stadium against the Highlanders.
Sunday also doubles as ‘club night’, where players and fans are encouraged to wear their club jersey to the stadium – a tribute to the grassroots game.
Not considered due to injury: Dane Coles (calf), Gareth Evans (ankle), Reed Prinsep (hamstring), Fraser Armstrong (knee), James Marshall (hip), Xavier Numia (knee).
Hurricanes
1 Ben May 2 Asafo Aumua 3 Tyrel Lomax 4 James Blackwell 5 Scott Scrafton 6 Devan Flanders 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi 8 Ardie Savea 9 TJ Perenara [C] 10 Fletcher Smith 11 Ben Lam 12 Ngani Laumape 13 Vince Aso 14 Kobus Van Wyk 15 Jordie Barrett
Replacements: 16. Ricky Riccitelli 17. Pouri Rakete-Stones 18. Alex Fidow 19. Vaea Fifita 20. Murphy Taramai 21. Jamie Booth 22. Billy Proctor 23. Wes Goosen
