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Hurricanes
57
Match Complete
NSW Waratahs
12
| R. Love |  | 79 | ||
| K. Naholo |  | 78 | ||
| B. Sullivan | | 68 | ||
| R. Hohepa | | 61 | ||
| B. Shields | | 60 | ||
| R. Hohepa | | 58 | ||
| N. Punivai | | 57 | ||
| 51 | |||
| 43 | | A. Saunders | ||
| R. Hohepa | | 38 | ||
| C. Roigard | | 37 | ||
| R. Hohepa | | 36 | ||
| A. Aumua | | 35 | ||
| K. Naholo | | 18 | ||
| K. Naholo | | 7 | ||
| 4 | | L. Creighton | ||
| 3 | | L. Creighton |
| 9 | Tries | 2 | ||
| 5 | Conversions | 1 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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At long last, the Ferrari is back. After being grounded for the past four matches, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will make his long-anticipated return for the Waratahs in Friday evening’s (5.05pm AEDT) match against the Hurricanes. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary.
While Waratahs coach Dan McKellar had previously expressed his desire for Suaalii to have a long run at fullback, the 21-year-old has been named at outside centre despite the absence of Andrew Kellaway.
“Joseph has trained really well over the past couple of weeks and has done a great job in rehab,” McKellar said. “It has been a frustrating period for him, but he’s ready to go, and we’re excited to see him back on the field.
“Positionally, we want to see how he goes at 13. The initial plan was for him to play fullback, but given he’s been out for five weeks, we feel outside centre is the best spot for him this week.”
Suaalii starts ahead of Henry O’Donnell, with the rising midfielder given a spell after playing four straight matches. Lalakai Foketi returns via the bench to offer cover in the midfield.
The other couple of changes in the backline sees Max Jorgensen shift from the wing to fullback to cover the absence of Kellaway, while Archie Saunders will debut out wide.
Elsewhere, Mahe Vailanu’s shoulder injury sees Julian Heaven start, while Ethan Dobbins comes onto the bench.
Lock Miles Amatosero also returns to the second-row and he’ll partner former Hurricanes lock Ben Grant.
Asafo Aumua will co-captain the home team alongside Du’Plessis Kirifi for the first time this season. The forward pack will bring a challenge for the Tahs with Xavier Numia and Tyrel Lomax named in the starting 15 this week.
Harry Godfrey has sustained an injury to his lower leg and will be out for approximately six weeks with Riley Hohepa slotting into the No.10.
NPC stand out Kade Banks will look to impress off the bench and Sevens star, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, will be unleashed.
Coach Clark Laidlaw said: “We have quite a consistent selection for the 23 this week. There is great energy in the group coming off a bye week. We are clear on a few areas that we need to improve after our first block of games and really looking forward to our second game at SKY Stadium for this season.”
“The Waratahs have had a good season so far and they look like they know what type of team they want to be. They have a big forward pack and they’re super direct. It’ll be a big challenge, but we’re excited for it and can’t wait to play this Friday.”
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua (co-c), Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Zach Gallagher, Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Riley Hohepa, Kini Naholo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Ngatungane Punivai, Ruben Love
Replacements: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields, Jordi Viljoen, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Kade Banks
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Julian Heaven, Taniela Tupou, Ben Grant, Miles Amatosero, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Darby Lancaster, Joey Walton (c), Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Archie Saunders, Max Jorgensen
Replacements: Ethan Dobbins, Isaac Kailea, Daniel Botha, Felix Kalapu, Jamie Adamson, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Lalakai Foketi
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Jeremy Markey
TMO: Brett Cronan
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Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.