Savea returns to boost Hurricanes
Julian Savea will return to the run-on side for the Hurricanes when they take on the Highlanders in their Super Rugby Aotearoa clash in Wellington tomorrow night.
Billy Proctor, who impressed as a replacement in the Hurricanes’ dramatic last-minute 26-24 loss to the Chiefs in Hamilton last Friday, is the only other change to the starting side, coming in at centre and relegating Peter Umaga-Jensen to the bench.
Head coach Jason Holland praised Proctor’s performances and said he was putting pressureon the Hurricanes’ midfielders, Umaga-Jensen and Ngani Laumape.
‘‘We love his workrate, and the way he organises both our attack and our D,’’ Holland said of Proctor. Peter will have a different role coming off the bench, with a bit of intent there.’’
Savea was rested for the Chiefs’ match on wing rotation, but returns with Salesi Rayasi impressing enough to stay on the left wing, with Wes Goosen dropping out with a thigh niggle.
A newcomer on the bench is wing Pepesana Patafilo, who team coaches say has worked positively in his bid to make a Hurricanes debut.
Holland said the team was devastated by the loss to the Chiefs, but had picked up its enthusiasm levels by midweek.
There is nothing at stake but pride for the Hurricanes and Holland said he expects the squad to step up against the southerners.
‘‘It’s something we have talked about, to put on a performance our loyal fans and members will be really proud of, and that’s a key motivation for us,’’ he said.
‘‘We have been really close in a number of games this season and we feel we are not far away.
‘‘There’s no doubt the Highlanders will feel exactly the same and the way the two sides play, it’s going to be a match not short of opportunities given the positive intent we have.’’