Kick-off: 7:05pm, Friday 28 March – Sky Stadium, Wellington
The Hurricanes return to Sky Stadium tonight under pressure to reignite their Super Rugby Pacific campaign, with a crucial home clash against a confident Waratahs outfit kicking off at 7:05pm.
With just one win under their belt and a growing injury list, coach Clark Laidlaw knows this game could be a turning point. “The Waratahs have had a good season so far… It’ll be a big challenge, but we’re excited for it,” Laidlaw said in the lead-up.
Traditionally dominant against the Waratahs, the Hurricanes boast a seven-match winning streak over the Australian side, averaging 35 points per game. But tonight’s match is no sure thing—this year’s Waratahs team arrives in Wellington with five wins, a powerful forward pack, and the return of superstar centre Joseph Suaalii.
Suaalii’s comeback headlines the Waratahs lineup, while Joey Walton takes over captaincy from the injured Jake Gordon. Teddy Wilson steps in at halfback.
For the Hurricanes, Riley Hohepa starts at first five-eighth, replacing the injured Harry Godfrey. Du’Plessis Kirifi and Asafo Aumua co-captain a pack brimming with All Black hopefuls. Ruben Love, who has been in scoring form lately, starts at fullback and may be called to cover 10 if needed.
The Hurricanes’ key to victory will be discipline and composure—both areas that have slipped in recent weeks. A win would not only lift morale but also keep them in the playoff hunt. A loss, however, could mark the beginning of a rebuild-focused end to the season.
“We feel that our game is where it needs to be to beat any team on our day,” Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said, warning that his team will be looking to break their seven-match New Zealand losing streak.
The last time these two sides met, the Hurricanes cruised to a 41-12 victory. But with fresh faces and mounting pressure, tonight’s showdown promises to be a much tighter affair.