Hurricanes have named their first XV squad to play Crusaders this Saturday in an away semifinal match at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.
The team squad has not so far experienced any changes as the head coach Chris Boyd believes in his team which defeated Chiefs in their last match of the season.
The bench, however, has some changes with possibilities of either Ardie Savea or Reed Prinsep filling one slot. Savea has been out due to a high ankle sprain injury he suffered in June 23rd with All Blacks in their third test against France.
The team will play the match against the defending champions in the Crusader’s stadium which may be slightly hard to them but nevertheless, the match is a Newzealand derby which may go either way.
Prop Toby is set to play his 100th Super Rugby match this weekend after playing for Chiefs and Rebels before landing at the Hurricanes and the team congratulates him for being the latest Hurricanes player to reach that milestone.
Toby Smith, Ricky Riccitelli and Jeff To’omaga-Allen are at the front row with Michael Fatialofa and Sam Lousi taking the lock roles. Brad Shield (C) and Gareth Evans begin as flankers with Blade Thomson taking the number eight role.
The half back role will be taken care of by TJ Perenara and Beauden Barrett as Ben Lam and Ngani Laumape take the center back position. Jordie Barrett and Julin Savea begin as the wingers while Nehe Milner-Skudder take the fullback position.
Hurricanes: 15 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 14 Julian Savea, 13 Jordie Barrett, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Ben Lam, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Blade Thomson, 7 Gareth Evans, 6 Brad Shields (c), 5 Sam Lousi, 4 Michael Fatialofa, 3 Jeff To’omaga-Allen, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Toby Smith
Replacements: 16 James O’Reilly, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Ben May, 19 Vaea Fifita, 20 Ardie Savea/Reed Prinsep, 21 Jamie Booth, 22 Ihaia West, 23 Wes Goosen
Crusaders have made just one alteration from the previous squad.
All Black’s front rower Joe Moody returns to the first XV after recovering from an injury.
Moody will play at the loosehead prop with Tim Perry a fellow All Blacks providing cover at the bench.
The squad has a great depth and has a home advantage as they host the semi-final. The team is hoping to do well in the clash after having had a great season.
Moody,Cordie Taylor and Owen Franks at the front row with Scott Barrett and Sam Whitelock (C) take the lock roles. Jordan Taufua and Matt Todd begin as flankers while Kieran Read takes the number eight position.
Bryan Hall and Richie Mo’unga play at the halfback as George Bridge and Ryan Crotty take the centre roles. Jack Goodhue and Seta Tamanivalu start as the wingers with David Havili playing at the fullback position.
Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock (c), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 Tim Perry, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Braydon Ennor