Five changes for Hurricanes this weekend

Above: Brad Shields captains a Hurricanes side with five changes to that which overcame the Sunwolves last week. Kick-off at Westpac Stadium on Saturday night is at 7.35pm. 

The Hurricanes have made five changes to the side that struggled against the Sunwolves last week as they prepare for a grudge match against the top South African team, the Lions.

The Hurricanes will be looking for redemption after they were dumped out of the semi-finals by the Lions last year in Johannesburg.

In the forwards, Jeff Toomaga-Allen moves into the front row with Vaea Fifita returning to lock after a week off whilst Gareth Evans also steps in for Reed Prinsep at number 8.

Ngani Laumape returns to the midfield which sees the dynamic Vince Aso left out of the matchday 23 this week.

Chris Boyd says Vince Aso would be back in the Hurricanes mix as the team plans their selections in the weeks before the international playing window.

“If luck was determined by your ability to get selected in a team sheet then he’d probably be the most unlucky player on the planet, I thought he was outstanding [last week]”, said Boyd.

After an impressive performance for the Hurricanes development side last week Ihaia West replaces Jackson Garden-Bachop on the bench.

Nehe Milner-Skudder retains his spot on the bench and will expect to play a solid 20-30 minutes according to Coach Chris Boyd.

This week’s match holds extra significance for midfielder Matt Proctor who will run out for the 50th time in the Hurricanes Jersey.

Half-back Finlay Christie gets another opportunity in the starting line-up in the absence of injured All Black TJ Perenara.

“He’s a tough fella [Finlay Christie] and he's got a lot of energy, obviously TJ Perenara is our number one half-back and for the next period of time will continue to be so”.

“But the other guys Finlay, Boothy [Jamie Booth] and Juddy [Richard Judd] we've been happy with and I have confidence if they're needed they'll do the job for us", said Boyd.

Hutt Old Boys Marist Hooker James O'Reilly who has re-signed for Wellington this season, is relishing his opportunities with All Black Hooker Dane Coles out injured.

“Yea I’m really enjoying the opportunity to play at this level, I’ve been around the environment for a couple of years but to now to actually get some game time I’m really benefiting from it and having a good time”, said O’Reilly.

Julian Savea retains his spot on the right wing as he looks to cement his position in a competitive Hurricanes squad.

"There is definitely a lot of talent in the Hurricanes and in the outside, we are all playing pretty well Boyd’s job very hard and that’s the great thing about our team”, said Savea.

The Hurricanes kick off against the Lions this Saturday at 7:35 pm at Westpac Stadium with the winner taking the top spot on the overall ladder.

Hurricanes Team to play the Lions:

1: Toby Smith
2: Ricky Riccitelli
3: Jeff Toomaga-Allen
4: Vaea Fifita
5: Micheal Fatialofa
6: Brad Shields (c)
7: Ardie Savea
8: Gareth Evans
9: Finlay Christie
10: Beauden Barret
11: Ben Lam
12: Ngani Laumape
13: Matt Proctor
14: Julian Savea
15: Jordie Barrett

Reserves:
16: James O'Reilly
17: Chris Eves
18: Ben May
19: Sam Lousi
20: Reed Prinsep
21: Jamie Booth
22: Ihaia West
23: Nehe Milner-Skudder