The match will celebrate the next generation of fans and players during Kids Round with 1,000 free kids' tickets available *, making it easier than ever for families to attend matches during Round 4 of the 2023 season.
Head Coach Jason Holland has named his squad with few changes to the 23 that fell to the Blues in Saturday's double-header.
In the forward pack, Asafo Aumua returns to the run-on side, with last week’s captain, Dane Coles, looking to provide power from the bench. Ardie Savea returns from a one-week suspension to captain the side from number eight, linking up with flankers, Devan Flanders and Du’Plessis Kirifi.
In the backs, Kini Naholo earns a debut on the wing opposite the Hurricanes all-time leading try scorer, Julian Savea.
"Kini has got himself into good shape and is looking sharp. He’s a big threat with ball in hand, and has earned this opportunity to start,” said Holland.
Off the bench, midfielder Bailyn Sulivan makes a return from injury, with Hawke’s Bay lock Dominic Bird looking to make his Hurricanes debut.
The 23 will wear Hawke’s Bay, East Coast and Poverty Bay socks on Friday as a show of support and respect for our regions’ most affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.
The Hurricanes take on the Waratahs at 7:05PM on Friday at Sky Stadium. Tickets are available at https://hurricanes.flicket.co.nz/
The match will be aired live on Sky Sport.
* Up to 4 free kids’ tickets for every paying adult
Hurricanes to take on the Waratahs:
1 Xavier Numia
2 Asafo Aumua
3 Tyrel Lomax
4 James Blackwell
5 Isaia Walker-Leawere
6 Devan Flanders
7 Du’Plessis Kirifi
8 Ardie Savea ©
9 Cameron Roigard
10 Brett Cameron
11 Kini Naholo *
12 Jordie Barrett
13 Billy Proctor
14 Julian Savea
15 Josh Moorby
Reserves
16 Dane Coles
17 Pouri Rakete-Stones
18 Pasilio Tosi
19 Dominic Bird *
20 Braydon Iose
21 Jamie Booth
22 Aidan Morgan
23 Bailyn Sulivan
* Denotes debut