Coming off the back of their 59-19 win over the Waratahs, coach Clark Laidlaw has made some changes that will see front rowers Pouri Rakete-Stones and Jacob Devery start on their home ground, along with All Black Pasilio Tosi, who is having his first start of the season at tighthead.
Lock Isaia Walker-Leawere, No. 8 Devan Flanders and wing Bailyn Sullivan will complete the Hawke’s Bay contingent in the starting side.
Returning to play after injury for his first start is lock Caleb Delany, while blindside flanker Brad Shields will make his 100th Super Rugby start. Injury to Ngane Punivai has allowed Jone Rova to make his first start at centre. On the bench after recovering from injuries are All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax and utility Ruben Love.
Laidlaw said the Western Force have a strong set piece and the Hurricanes will need to be on alert for that.
“We had a draw with them last year, went to golden point and weren’t good enough to get across the line, so we know it’s going to be a tough challenge.
“They’ve played well the last two weeks in New Zealand, so they’ll be looking forward to finishing strong against us.”
The Crusaders will face the Highlanders in Christchurch on Saturday, their second clash of the season.
Crusaders coach Rob Penney said the Crusaders’ error rate and inconsistency have been frustrating, and that there have been cohesion issues at the breakdown.
He also commented on the increased kicking in games.
“There’s a lot of reward for the jackaller at the moment and it’s difficult to breach defences. Those two elements make if beneficial to put the ball in behind and try to win it when the defence is less organised and play off that, as opposed to trying to string a massive amount of phases together.”
He was expecting more of the same from the Highlanders in round five, the third consecutive local derby the Crusaders will have played.
“It’s tough. The competition is going through a stage at the moment where all the teams are very capable, big men against big men, physical athletes. We’ve got our fair share of bumps and bruises, no doubt about that.”
There has also been some fire in training with feelings boiling over, but Penney said he welcomed that because it reflected the desire within players.
Wing Chay Fihaki will play his 50th game for the side.
Injuries to Dominic Gardiner and Corey Kellow have seen Johnny Lee promoted from the wider training group into the starting team.
“He’s been a player at national level for a couple of years and he’s worked hard in our environment and got himself in great nick. We’re very excited for him to get his debut.”
Braydon Ennor has been given a start at centre this week.
“He’s a world-class defender and Leicester Fainga’anuku’s going to take a little time to adjust back to New Zealand footy and also, we saw his impact off the bench against the Brumbies and we’re looking for a bit of that again.”
Highlanders defence coach David Kidwell said the side is aware of the defensive needs they must meet every week.
“It’s a bit part of the game these days, so you have to front up. We’ve talked about our defence and how we want to be and what we want to look like, and the boys have been good at doing those efforts.
“That’s just part of the game and it’s making sure we know it, and we’re clear on our systems and roles.”
Having already beaten the Crusaders this campaign, the side is well aware of the challenge.
“We just need to make sure we’re ready and clear on the structure of our defensive side and our attack.
“Everyone’s connected, everyone’s got a part to play in their defensive role, whether you’re out on the edges or you’re inside the ruck and that’s important. You have to have those combinations and cohesiveness in defence.”
Auckland’s local derby will see the Blues host Moana Pasifika at Eden Park on Sunday at 3:35 pm.
After a bruising win over the Crusaders, coach Vern Cotter has several players with minor injuries. Sam Nock has been given a start at halfback, Xavi Taele will play at second five-eighths, Cole Forbes returns from injury to play at fullback, while Anton Segner will start on the blindside flanker. Loose forward Malachi Wrampling is set to make his debut from the bench.
Cotter said, “A few players are carrying niggles, so we are being intentional around managing those well while still early in the season. It shows the depth of our wider squad, and we’re confident the players coming in can do the job.
“We were pleased with our effort against the Crusaders, but the challenge for us now is to back that up.”
Moana Pasifika will be bolstered with former All Black prop Atu Moli making his debut for the side. Moli, 20, a former New Zealand Under-20s captain, played seven seasons for the Chiefs and two for the Western Force. His brothers Samiuela, Monu and Sekope are part of Moana Pasifika.
Moli said, “It’s cool that we get to train together at this level. I’ve always asked Samiuela about what Moana’s like. I was always interested in culture and coming here now and witnessing it, it’s like being home again.”
Injury frustrations almost made Moli throw in the towel and retire, but he is pleased he stayed in the game.
Coach Tana Umaga said he was excited to see Moli play.
“He’s worked hard to get where he is now. Coming back from multiple injuries isn’t easy, but he hasn’t given up and is an excellent example of resilience and persistence, which is inspiring.”
Prop Tito Tuipulotu, second five-eighths Lalomilo Lalomilo, and fullback William Havili are each returning from injuries to start, while Patrick Pellegrini will start at first five-eighths and Glen Vaihu will move to the left wing.
