Sport

Coles to start for Hurricanes for first time in 2022, Savea 'unavailable'

10:56 am on 19 May 2022

All Blacks hooker Dane Coles will make his first start for the Hurricanes this season, but captain Ardie Savea is unavailable for Saturday's clash with the Rebels.

Dane Coles. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Coles has made two appearances off the bench since returning from injury.

This weekend's encounter in Wellington is the Hurricanes penultimate match of the regular season and their final home game.

"We've always had a bit of a plan in place with Colesy and he's had an awesome progression back.

"He's made impact off the bench and now he gets the opportunity to start. Asafo will have a different role to come on and add massive energy at the backend of the game," said Head Coach, Jason Holland.

Jordie Barrett has been retained at second-five.

With All Blacks Ardie Savea unavailable, TJ Perenara captains the side from half-back, with TK Howden shifting from blindside to number eight.

"TK is obviously talented and can slot in at 6 and 8 easily. With a couple of injuries in that space, and Ardie unavailable, he gets the opportunity to start at number eight this week. We're confident he can do the job," said Holland.

Francis Douglas Memorial College product, Du'Plessis Kirifi, brings up his 50th game for the Hurricanes since his debut against the Waratahs in Sydney in 2019.

Ruben Love returns at fullback following a groin injury that has had him side-lined since mid-April.

Hurricanes team to face the Rebels:

1. Tevita Mafileo

2. Dane Coles

3. Tyrel Lomax

4. James Blackwell

5. Isaia Walker-Leawere

6. Blake Gibson

7. Du'Plessis Kirifi

8. TK Howden

9. TJ Perenara (c)

10. Aidan Morgan

11. Salesi Rayasi

12. Jordie Barrett

13. Billy Proctor

14. Julian Savea

15. Ruben Love

REPLACEMENTS:

16. Asafo Aumua

17. Pouri Rakete-Stones

18. Owen Franks

19. Scott Scrafton

20. Caleb Delany

21. Jamie Booth

22. Jackson Garden-Bachop

23. Wes Goosen

Unavailable for selection: Devan Flanders, Brayden Iose, Reed Prinsep, Pepesana Patafilo, Tyler Laubscher, Ardie Savea, Josh Moorby, Dominic Bird, Justin Sangster