Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi of Ngāti Pikiao has been named on the bench for the Hurricanes match against the Southern Kings this Friday.
This is the first time Tahuriorangi has been named in the squad after battling a leg infection picked up during the preseason.
He says, “I’m a bit overwhelmed but just real excited just to get out there. Hopefully put on a good performance. I told mum and dad and they were just real proud, it’s real humbling.”
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd has made three changes to his starting fifteen. Willis Halaholo, Jason Woodward and Michael Fatialofa will join the starting side after being in the reserves during the Hurricanes 41-6 win over the Western Force in Palmerston North.
Halaholo will start at centre with Vince Aso moving to the reserves. Woodward takes Julian Savea’s place on the left wing, and Fatialofa will come in at lock for Blade Thomson, who shifts to number 8 to replace Victor Vito. Vito will miss the match due to a calf strain.
Ngāi Te Rangi utility back Matt Proctor also starts off the bench returning from a knee injury.
Coach Chris Boyd says, “This is an important match for us. We’ve got some good momentum from our last two matches and we want to carry that on into the bye week with a good performance in front of our home fans.”
Te Kāea reporter, Ripeka Timutimu will have more on Te Kāea at 5:30pm tonight.