Hurricanes change it up for Crusaders

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Jason Holland has made five changes to the Hurricanes' starting XV for their Round Two clash with the Crusaders this weekend.

The Hurricanes are the only side that managed to hand the Crusaders a loss in 2020, breaking their four-year winning streak at home.

New All Black Peter Umaga-Jensen, who came off the bench in round one, has been handed the No.13 jersey this week.

It is the only change the coach, Holland, has made to the backs.

Up front is where rejigs have happened.

Isaia Walker-Leawere, Reed Prinsep and Du'Plessis Kirifi all given a start.

Holland has plenty of firepower up his sleeve, with the likes of Ricky Riccitelli, Billy Proctor, and Salesi Rayasi on the bench.

The loose forwards have been given a real shake-up.

Captain Ardie Savea shifts to No.8 and Kirifi takes over in the openside flank role.

Prinsep has jumped from the bench to blindside flank, while Devan Flanders drops back in his place.

Hurricanes: 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Wes Goosen, 13 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 8 Ardie Savea (captain), 7 Du'Plessis Kirifi, 6 Reed Prinsep, 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Fraser Armstrong.

Replacements: 16 Ricky Riccitelli, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Tevita Mafileo, 19 Liam Mitchell, 20 Devan Flanders, 21 Luke Campbell, 22 Billy Proctor, 23 Salesi Rayasi.

Date: Sunday, March 7

Venue: Addington Showgrounds, Christchurch

Kick-off: 16.35, 03.35 GMT

Referee: Ben O'Keeffe

Assistant referees: Mike Fraser & James Doleman

TMO: Brendon Pickerill