Tyrel Lomax. Photo: Michael Thomas/www.photosport.nz
All Black prop Tyrel Lomax is back for the Hurricanes, after spending five weeks on the sideline with bone bruising. It's a timely boost for Clark Laidlaw's side ahead of the first semi-final at Sky Stadium since 2016.
However, that has been offset somewhat by an injury to Xavier Numia, with the in-form loosehead out of the clash with the Chiefs on Saturday afternoon with a calf injury. Pouri Rakete-Stones takes his place in the front row.
The last time the sides met, the Hurricanes were able to draw a couple of crucial penalties at the scrum on their way to a tight 20-17 win in Hamilton. It was part of a highly disciplined second half from the Hurricanes, who did not concede a penalty.
The rest of the side is mostly unchanged from last weekend's big quarter-final win over the Rebels. Skipper Brad Shields comes back into the starting lineup at blindside, Justin Sangster and Isaia Walker-Leawere inside him in the second row, with Peter Lakai and Brayden Iose set to make another case for their inclusion in Scott Robertson's first All Black squad of the year.
They're not alone, either. TJ Perenara, Brett Cameron, Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby and Ruben Love can probably feel the same way, they are all unsurprisingly starting as well.
Clark Laidlaw head coach of the Hurricanes before Super Rugby Pacific - Hurricanes v Chiefs at Sky Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand on Saturday 13 April 2024. Photo: Photosport / Elias Rodriguez
"The Rebels really came out and took it to us with their physicality which is what we had expected," said Laidlaw.
"The Chiefs will provide another tough challenge for us, and one we are really excited for."
With more than 25,000 people expected at Sky Stadium, Laidlaw said the side was embracing the challenge of finals rugby at home.
It stands to be the biggest home crowd the Hurricanes will have drawn to Sky Stadium since their sole title-winning season, eight years ago.
"There's a level of excitement in the group, another week for us to improve and grow together, and put out a performance for our fans, which we can all be proud of," Laidlaw said.
Hurricanes v Chiefs
Kick-off: 4.35pm Saturday 15 June (NZT)
Sky Stadium, Wellington
Live blog coverage on RNZ Sport
Hurricanes: 1 Pouri-Rakete-Stones, 2 Asafo Aumua, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 4 Justin Sangster, 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 6 Brad Shields (c), 7 Peter Lakai, 8 Brayden Iose, 9 TJ Perenara, 10 Brett Cameron, 11 Salesi Rayasi, 12 Jordie Barrett, 13 Billy Proctor, 14 Josh Moorby, 15 Ruben Love
Bench: 16 James O'Reilly, 17 Tevita Mafileo, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 James Tucker, 20 Devan Flanders, 21 Du'Plessis Kirifi, 22 Richard Judd, 23 Bailyn Sullivan