Waratahs coach Darren Coleman has swung the axe on his misfiring team, making six changes to the starting XV for Friday’s Super Rugby Pacific clash with the Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes will welcome back captain Ardie Savea following his suspension for a throat slitting gesture in round two.
Keep checking in for all the latest round four team news.
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HURRICANES vs WARATAHS in Wellington, Friday 5.05pm AEDT
Ben Donaldson will start at No.10 and Max Jorgensen at fullback in the most notable Waratahs changes for round four.
Donaldson had been starting at fullback for the 1-2 NSW club while boom teenager Jorgensen started on the wing in the first two games before sitting out round three with a minor shoulder injury.
But the duo will now start in their more familiar positions as playmaker Tane Edmed drops to the bench.
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“Max Jorgensen’s return enables us to look at a change at No.10,” Waratahs coach Darren Coleman said.
“We’re comfortable with Tane’s performances this season, he’s performed solidly, we’re just looking to see if Ben Donaldson in his more natural position at 10 can add another dimension to our attack.”
Coleman has been forced to name two new starting locks – Taleni Seu and Ned Hanigan – with Jed Holloway (impending child birth) and Hugh Sinclair (shoulder) unavailable.
Charlie Gamble will start at blindside flanker in a mobile forward pack.
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Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have been boosted by the return of suspended captain Ardie Savea, who replaces Peter Lakai at No.8.
Asafo Aumua takes over from Dane Coles at hooker while Kini Naholo – the younger brother of former All Blacks star Waisake - will make his Hurricanes debut on the wing.
“Kini has got himself into good shape and is looking sharp,” Hurricanes coach Jason Holland said.
“He’s a big threat with ball in hand, and has earned this opportunity to start.”
HURRICANES (15-1): Josh Moorby, Julian Savea, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Kini Naholo, Brett Cameron, Cameron Roigard, Ardie Savea (c), Du’Plessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Isaia Walker-Leawere, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia
Reserves: Dane Coles, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Dominic Bird, Braydon Iose, Jamie Booth, Aidan Morgan, Bailyn Sulivan
WARATAHS (15-1): Max Jorgensen, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, Nemani Nadolo, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon (c), Langi Gleeson, Michael Hooper, Charlie Gamble, Taleni Seu, Ned Hanigan, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert
Reserves: Tolu Latu, Sateki Latu, Daniel Botha, Lachie Swinton, Will Harris, Harrison Goddard, Tane Edmed, Mosese Tuipulotu
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
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CHIEFS vs REBELS in Hamilton, Saturday 2.35pm AEDT
CHIEFS (TBC)
REBELS (TBC)
Referee: Dan Waenga
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BLUES vs CRUSADERS in Auckland, Saturday 5.05pm AEDT
BLUES (TBC)
CRUSADERS (TBC)
Referee: James Doleman
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BRUMBIES vs MOANA PASIFIKA in Canberra, Saturday 7.35pm AEDT
BRUMBIES (TBC)
MOANA (TBC)
Referee: Graham Cooper
Heartbreak for Moana Pasifika
HIGHLANDERS vs FORCE in Invercargill, Sunday 1.35pm AEDT
HIGHLANDERS (TBC)
FORCE (TBC)
Referee: Angus Mabey
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REDS vs FIJIAN DRUA in Brisbane, Sunday 3pm AEDT
REDS (TBC)
DRUA (TBC)
Referee: Reuben Keane
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