Hurricanes name squad for Stormers opener

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Hurricanes have named a squad of 27 players that will travel to South Africa and Argentina for the start of the 2020 Super Rugby campaign.

It comes following a close pre-season loss to the Blues this past Friday, where the Hurricanes went down 28-29.

In the travelling squad is Ben Lam, Jamie Booth and Ricky Riccitelli - who all scored tries.

Tevita Mafileo has been with the Blues this year but has been drafted by the Hurricanes and will join them on tour.

Co-captain, Thomas Perenara, will be looking for his first chance to put on the black and yellow jersey in 2020, when the Hurricanes go up against the Stormers in Cape Town next Saturday, February 1.

Coach Jason Holland said it is going to be a tough challenge against a South African side that boasts several World Cup-winning Springboks.

"As always, you can expect the game is going to be extremely physical," Holland said.

"We know they will have a certain confidence this year too - but we've got a good side who have taken lessons from pre-season and are ready for what's to come."

The Hurricanes will take both flyhalf options, Jackson Garden-Bachop and Fletcher Smith, with them.

There is plenty of options at inside centre also, with Ngani Laumape and Jordie Barrett named in the side.

Hurricanes squad:

Forwards: Fraser Armstrong, Tyrel Lomax, Tevita Mafileo, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Alex Fidow, Ricky Riccitelli, Asafo Aumua, James Blackwell, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Scott Scrafton, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Gareth Evans, Vaea Fifita, Devan Flanders, Reed Prinsep.

Backs: Thomas Perenara, Jamie Booth, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Fletcher Smith, Ngani Laumape, Billy Proctor, Vince Aso, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Wes Goosen, Ben Lam, Chase Tiatia, Jordie Barrett.