The Hurricanes will chase a place in the Super Rugby Pacific final when they host the Blues in Saturday night’s semi-final at Wellington’s Hnry Stadium.
Kick-off is at 7.05pm, with gates opening at 5.30pm.
Head coach Clark Laidlaw has named a largely settled match-day squad following last week’s qualifying final win over the Brumbies, with Fehi Fineanganofo returning from injury on the left wing in the only change to the starting side.
The Hurricanes have kept faith with an unchanged forward pack.
Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua and Pasilio Tosi start in the front row, while Warner Dearns and Caleb Delany continue in the second row.
Brad Shields will play his 142nd match for the club, moving past Dane Coles into third on the Hurricanes’ all-time appearances list.
Peter Lakai will also mark a milestone, bringing up his 50th Hurricanes appearance from No 8.
Co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi completes the loose forward trio.
Cam Roigard and Ruben Love again combine in the halves, while co-captain Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor continue in midfield.
Fineanganofo’s return sees him join Josh Moorby and Callum Harkin in the back three.
Laidlaw said the Hurricanes were pleased to take a consistent side into one of the biggest matches of the season.
“It’s a bonus being able to pick a really consistent team where a couple of guys who have been injured are coming back in,” Laidlaw said.
“We feel grateful for that and we’re hugely excited to welcome the Blues here on Saturday night.
“We’re expecting a very tough semi-final. At this time of the year, the four best teams are left, so the team has prepared with the intensity that this game deserves.”
Laidlaw said the team was looking forward to playing in Wellington in front of a strong home crowd.
“We can’t wait to play at home, hopefully in front of a big crowd of vocal supporters who fill the tin to help get us home,” he said.
The Hurricanes have also named two returning players on the bench, with wing Kini Naholo and loosehead prop Siale Lauaki included among the reserves.
They are joined by Raymond Tuputupu, Tyrel Lomax, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari and Jone Rova.
Laidlaw paid tribute to Lakai and Shields ahead of their milestone appearances.
He said Lakai’s 50th match was a significant achievement for a player still early in his career.
“It probably shows that one of his super strengths is his consistency and his resilience to play big minutes and play a lot of games in a row,” Laidlaw said.
“He’s a massive part of what the team does, whether he’s playing No 7 or No 8.”
Laidlaw said Shields’ place among the club’s most-capped players reflected his resilience and consistency.
“He’s the ultimate Hurricane and a true team man in the way he trains, the way he applies himself, and the way he wants to be better,” Laidlaw said.
“I think he’s playing as well as he ever has.”
Local musician Ella Monnery will perform at halftime, with roof pyrotechnics, dancers and disco lights planned for the show.
Tickets start from $15 for children and $30 for adults.
Hurricanes team to face the Blues: Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Caleb Delany, Warner Dearns, Brad Shields, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Fehi Fineanganofo, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Callum Harkin. Reserves: Raymond Tuputupu, Siale Lauaki, Tyrel Lomax, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Jone Rova, Kini Naholo.
