The Hurricanes has made two changes to their starting XV who will face the Crusaders at the Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday 09:05 SA Time. The Crusaders and Hurricanes are currently sitting first and third on the Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa standings table. While the Crusaders have won the last six Super Rugby matches between the sides, it was the Hurricanes who handed the Crusaders their last loss at home in 2016.
The Hurricanes lost the last game between the two foes (25-39) in round two of the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition. The Crusaders comes off a bye last weekend while the Hurricanes won 29-27 against the Blues.
Ben Lam will play his 50th and final game for the Hurricanes when they take on the Crusaders in Christchurch this Saturday. Lam’s been with the Hurricanes since 2017, and in that time, he’s scored 32 tries (160 points) for the Hurricanes.
The Wellington-based Super Rugby team are now on a three-game winning streak, after dramatically beating the Blues 29 – 17 at Sky Stadium last Weekend.
Co-captain Dane Coles will not travel with the squad due to a minor back complaint. It means Asafo Aumua takes over the number two jersey, with Ricky Riccitelli on the bench.
The rest of the starting XV remains largely unchanged, with the only exception being Wes Goosen who gets the nod ahead of Kobus Van Wyk.
On the bench, Chase Tiatia, Tevita Mafileo and Vince Aso come into the fold – with the rest left status quo.
The Hurricanes: 1. Fraser Armstrong, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. James Blackwell, 5. Scott Scrafton, 6. Reed Prinsep, 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 8. Ardie Savea, 9. TJ Perenara [C], 10. Jackson Garden-Bachop, 11. Ben Lam, 12. Ngani Laumape, 13. Peter Umaga-Jensen, 14. Wes Goosen, 15. Jordie Barrett. Replacements: 16. Ricky Riccitelli, 17. Tevita Mafileo, 18. Alex Fidow, 19. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20. Vaea Fifita, 21. Jamie Booth, 22. Vince Aso, 23. Chase Tiatia.