Wing Kobus van Wyk has been named in the Hurricanes’ match-day squad for their Vodacom Super Rugby Aotearoa clash against the Crusaders on Sunday.
On Sunday, the Hurricanes will host the Crusaders in Wellington, where they will look to bounce back from a 30-20 loss to the Blues at Eden Park a week ago.
Two changes have been made to the Canes’ starting lineup, as Vaea Fifita gets the nod ahead of Scott Scrafton, whilst Ardie Savea will start at No 8. For Savea, who replaces Gareth Evans, this is a first start since undergoing knee surgery late last year.
Coach Jason Holland has also made a few alterations to his bench, with Van Wyk, prop Ben May, Scrafton and Evans all being selected as impact players.
‘It’s important we perform better in some key areas of the game and we have worked hard during the week to improve,’ Holland said.
‘We can’t wait to play at our home stadium and are excited to play again in front of our awesome fans. Performing in front of them is a big driver for us this week.’
Super Rugby Aotearoa teams (Round 2)
Hurricanes – 15 Chase Tiatia, 14 Wes Goosen, 13 Vince Aso, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Ben Lam, 10 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 9 TJ Perenara (co-captain), 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Reed Prinsep, 5 Vaea Fifita, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Dane Coles (co-captain), 1 Fraser Armstrong.
Subs: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ben May, 18 Alex Fidow, 19 Scott Scrafton, 20 Gareth Evans, 21 Jamie Booth, 22 Billy Proctor, 23 Kobus van Wyk.
Photo: Kerry Marshall/Getty Images