Brett Cameron of the Hurricanes kicks the winning penalty against the Chiefs. Photo: Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz
Brett Cameron is back ahead of schedule for the Hurricanes, due to come off the bench in their Friday night clash with the Highlanders in Wellington. It was thought that the one-test All Black would be missing the entire Super Rugby Pacific season but has made a remarkable recovery from a serious knee injury.
Ngane Punivai and Bailyn Sullivan start on the wings for the Canes after Kini Naholo's season was ended last weekend with injury.
Meanwhile, the Highlanders welcome back Jona Nareki, Sosefo Kautai and Tanielu Tele'a, while a reshuffle in the loose forwards sees Sean Withy move to number eight. Veveni Lasaqa starts at openside with TK Howden on the blind.
Other selection news
Scott Barrett is out for the Crusaders for their game against the Waratahs with a thumb injury, he's expected back within a fortnight. Codie Taylor is also rested, so that means Quinten Strange gets the call up at lock and Ioane Moananu comes back in to start at hooker. George Bell returns from injury to the bench, and Johnny McNicholl shoots straight from the wider training squad into the number 15 jersey after Will Jordan's injury.
Patrick Pellegrini is back at first five for Moana Pasifika for their crunch match against the Blues, which will go a long way to determining which of the two teams makes the play-offs. Samiuela Moli and Sione Havili Talitui come back onto the bench.
The Tuipulotu brothers, Patrick and Tito, will line up against each other for the first time at Super Rugby Pacific level. Caleb Clarke makes a welcome return to the Blues on the left wing, also Adrian Choat starts at blindside in place the injured Anton Segner.
Ruben Love scores and motions to the fans in the Zoo during the Highlanders v Hurricanes, Super Rugby Pacific match, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin. Photo: Michael Thomas/ActionPress
Hurricanes v Highlanders
Kick-off: 7:05pm Friday 16 May
Sky Stadium, Wellington
Live blog coverage on RNZ Sport
Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Zach Gallagher, 5. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 6. Brad Shields, 7. Peter Lakai, 8. Brayden Iose, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Ngatungane Punivai, 12. Riley Higgins, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Bailyn Sullivan, 15. Callum Harkin
Bench: 16. Raymond Tuputupu, 17. Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18. Tevita Mafileo, 19. Will Tucker, 20. Du'Plessis Kirifi, 21. Ereatara Enari, 22. Brett Cameron, 23. Fatafehi Fineanganofo
Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Saula Ma'u, 4. Mitch Dunshea, 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Te Kamaka Howden, 7. Veveni Lasaqa, 8. Sean Withy, 9. Folau Fakatava, 10. Taine Robinson, 11. Jona Nareki, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13. Tanielu Tele'a, 14. Jonah Lowe, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Bench: 16. Soane Vikena, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Sosefo Kautai, 19. Oliver Haig, 20. Michael Loft, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Camerson Millar, 23. Thomas Umaga-Jensen
Quinten Strange of the Crusaders during the Super Rugby Pacific match against Moana Pasifika at the Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, on31 May 2024. Photo: Photosport / John Davidson
Waratahs v Crusaders
Kick-off: 9:35pm Friday 16 May
Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Live blog coverage on RNZ Sport
Crusaders: 1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Ioane Moananu, 3. Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 4. Quinten Strange, 5. Antonio Shalfoon, 6. Cullen Grace, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Sevu Reece, 12. David Havili, 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Chay Fihaki, 15. Johnny McNicholl
Bench: 16. George Bell, 17. George Bower, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Tahlor Cahill, 20. Corey Kellow, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. James O'Connor, 23. Dallas McLeod
Ardie Savea, Blues v Moana Pasifika. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Moana Pasifika v Blues
Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 17 May
North Harbour Stadium, Albany
Live blog coverage on RNZ Sport
Moana Pasifika: 1. Tito Tuipulotu, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, 4. Tom Savage, 5. Samuel Slade, 6. Miracle Faiilagi, 7. Ardie Savea (c), 8. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Patrick Pellegrini, 11. Kyren Taumoefolau, 12. Danny Toala, 13. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 14. Tevita Ofa, 15. William Havili
Bench: 16. Samiuela Moli, 17. Abraham Pole, 18. Chris Apoua, 19. Allan Craig, 20. Sione Havili Talitui, 21. Melani Matavao, 22. Jackson Garden-Bachop, 23. Julian Savea
Blues: 1. Joshua Fusitu'a, 2. Ricky Riccitelli, 3. Angus Ta'avao, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu, 5. Josh Beehre, 6. Adrian Choat, 7. Dalton Papali'i, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Taufa Funaki, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Xavi Taele, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. AJ Lam, 15. Corey Evans
Bench: 16. Kurt Eklund, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. Marcel Renata, 19. Laghlan McWhannell, 20. Cam Christie, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Harry Plummer, 23. Cole Forbes
Also:
Fijian Drua v Force
Kick-off: 3:35pm Saturday 17 May
Churchill Park, Lautoka
Brumbies v Reds
Kick-off: 9:35pm Saturday 17 May
GIO Stadium, Canberra
Chiefs - bye
