Ardie Savea returns to Hurricanes for Waratahs clash

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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   

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