The Hurricanes have received a boost with the news that veteran hooker Dane Coles will return to action in Saturday’s crucial Super Rugby Pacific derby against the Crusaders in Wellington.
The 36-year-old has been sidelined for several weeks with concussion and calf muscle issues and will wear the number two jersey alongside Tyrel Lomax and Tevita Mafileo, who are the starting props.
Could be Coles’ last match in Wellington
Coles’ return to action means he will play at least one more match in Wellington before his retirement at the end of the year.
Hurricanes head coach Jason Holland is excited to have the All Blacks hooker back in his starting line-up.
“We’re excited to have Colesy back this weekend. We’ve been really careful with him to make sure he’s 100% when he comes back, and he’s got himself into a really good spot,” said Holland.
Click Here: Brazil soccer tracksuit
In other changes to the Hurricanes’ run-on side which lost to the Blues last weekend, Caleb Delany comes in for Isaia Walker-Leawere to partner James Blackwell in the second-row, while Justin Sangster provides impact off the bench. Devan Flanders takes over from Delany on the blindside flank.
There are two changes to the backline from last week’s game, with Brett Cameron replacing Aidan Morgan at fly-half while Daniel Sinkinson comes in for the injured Julian Savea on the right wing.
Meanwhile, there is plenty of excitement amongst the replacements as Ruben Love is set to make his first appearance of the season after recovering from injury, while Bailyn Sullivan is also back after being injured.
Long road back for Love
“It’s been a long road for Ruben, hasn’t it,” said Holland. “He’s worked his way back and got confidence in that groin.
“He’s stepping around and looking fast and strong, so he’ll have some time off the bench this weekend. It’s been good to have him back in training and getting a feel for all our systems again.”
The Hurricanes’ clash with the Crusaders is part of a doubleheader, with the New Zealand U20s taking on the Junior Wallabies in an exciting curtain-raiser.
Hurricanes: 15 Josh Moorby, 14 Daniel Sinkinson, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Kini Naholo, 10 Brett Cameron, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (c), 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Devan Flanders, 5 Caleb Delany, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Tevita Mafileo
Replacements: 16 Jacob Devery, 17 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18 Owen Franks, 19 Justin Sangster, 20 Brayden Iose, 21 Jamie Booth, 22 Ruben Love, 23 Bailyn Sullivan
Date: Saturday, June 3
Venue: Sky Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19:05 local (08:05 BST, 07:05 GMT)
Referee: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: James Doleman (New Zealand), Marcus Playle (New Zealand)
TMO: TBC