Salesi Rayasi gets shot at redemption

ROOKIE wing Salesi Rayasi has been given a chance at redemption after he was named to start for the Hurricanes in their Super Rugby semi-final against the Crusaders in Christchurch tomorrow.

Rayasi scored two tries when he came off the bench to replace the injured Wes Goosen in the quarter-final against the Bulls, but also conceded a penalty try, received a yellow card and failed to stop Cornal Hendricks scoring a try with a weak tackle.

The 22-year-old is the only change to the starting lineup from the Bulls game, with Goosen ruled out due to the injury he sustained last week.

All Black loose forward Vaea Fifita has been brought back into the squad after a three-match suspension for a red card he received against the Sharks in Durban to provide loose forward cover from the bench. The nine-time champion Crusaders have named a full-strength side for the clash with seven members of their starting pack having played for the All Blacks.

Blindside flank Whetu Douglas is the only non-capped player in the forwards. Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said his team had prepared accordingly for a “quality” side.

“They’re well-coached, with genuine attacking threats across the park, so we know there is a massive challenge ahead of us this weekend,” he said.

Hurricanes scrumhalf TJ Perenara will become his side’s highest capped player with his 127th appearance, while Crusaders flank Jordan Taufua will make his 100th appearance for the team from the bench.