Fifita injury gives Scots lock first start for Canes

An injury to Vaea Fifita has seen Scottish lock Murray Douglas handed his first start for the Hurricanes.

Murray will partner Sam Lousi in the second row in tonight’s clash against the Highlanders in Wellington, with Fifita being held out due to a minor shoulder injury.

The 28-year-old has played just 19 minutes for the Hurricanes after joining from the Rebels at the start of the year, and finds himself in one of the game’s many important head-tohead battles.

Aside from the star match-ups across both teams’ spines, the ascendancy at lineout time could be a factor in the outcome.

The Hurricanes and Highlanders have shown their preference for running the football and keeping it in play.

However, they have been susceptible in the lineouts, collecting their own throws at 87 and 84 per cent respectively.

They’ve both shown they’re more than capable of stealing possession at the set piece, too, with the Hurricanes winning an opponent’s throw 44 times to the Highlanders’ 36.

The addition of Douglas was the only change to the starting side that beat the Crusaders two weeks ago, with the bye last week giving the side a chance to refresh. The Highlanders remain the competition’s only unbeaten team.

However, coach Chris Boyd has made two changes on the bench. Loose forward Reed Prinsep comes in for Blade Thomson and tighthead Jeff Toomaga-Allen returns from injury at the expense of Marcel Renata.

Three points separate the two sides on the table, with the Highlanders winning all three of their games so far.

The Hurricanes, however, seem to have regathered themselves after a dismal showing in their opening round loss to the Bulls and come into the game on the back of two wins.

The home side will also likely be buoyed by halfback TJ Perenara bringing up his 100th game for the side tonight.

He will be the 13th Hurricanes player to reach 100 games for the club.

Perenara is following in the footsteps of Dane Coles, Andrew Hore, Cory Jane, Ma’a Nonu, Julian Savea, Conrad Smith, Rodney So’oialo, Jeremy Thrush, Neemia Tialata, Tana Umaga, Victor Vito and Beauden Barrett, who brought up the milestone against the Crusaders.