Rugby: Hurricanes light on front-rowers

Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
Injury and suspension has forced the Hurricanes to select a new-look front-row for Saturday's Super Rugby clash with the Blues at Eden Park in Auckland.

Tighthead Ben Franks has an Achilles problem, which has forced him to sit out, while No 1 Reggie Goodes is suspended following an act of foul play during last weekend's win over the Chiefs in Wellington.

These issues mean Chris Eves will start at loosehead prop on Saturday, while Jeffery Toomaga-Allen will wear the No 3 jersey.

Veteran Ben May and youngster Tolu Fahamokioa will provide prop cover from the bench and the latter would make his Super Rugby debut if required. Dane Coles will start at hooker after playing from the pine last week.

Centre Conrad Smith will skip the game as he manages a couple of niggles and completes his second mandatory rest for international players, which leaves Rey Lee-Lo to start at centre with Willis Halaholo joining the bench as cover.

Lock Jeremy Thrush will captain the side with Smith out of action.

The Hurricanes, who have won 11 from 12 this season, lead the Super Rugby standings and are on track to claim home advantage for the playoffs, providing they can win two of their four remaining games.

The Blues have struggled this year and have won only three matches to go alongside 10 losses. They've endured a mounting injury toll in recent weeks and will come in to this game as underdogs, despite their perfect three-from-three record at Eden Park this season.


Hurricanes: Nehe Milner-Skudder, Cory Jane, Rey Lee-Lo, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, James Marshall, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Ardie Savea, Blade Thomson, James Broadhurst, Jeremy Thrush (c), Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Dane Coles, Chris Eves. Reserves: Motu Matu'u, Ben May, Tolu Fahamokioa, Mark Abbott/Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields, Chris Smylie, Otere Black, Willis Halaholo.


 

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