Super Rugby: Hurricanes stick with winning formula for semi-final against Crusaders

  • 26/07/2018

The Hurricanes have named an unchanged starting side to head south for their Super Rugby semi-final against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Flanker Ardie Savea has been given every chance of making a return from the high ankle sprain suffered in third test against the All Blacks, bracketed with Reep Prinsep on the bench.

Boyd said Savea had worked extremely hard to return to the Hurricanes campaign and a decision on whether he would take his place in the match day squad would be made later in the week.

Jordie Barrett will remain at centre,with Nehe Milner-Skudder again filling in at fullback.

However, coach Chris Boyd hinted there'd be room to shuffle later in the match.

"Personally I think he's a better 15," said Boyd of Barrett.

"He likes the midfield and he did enough for me last week to suggest that was the right way for us to start. I'm sure it won't be how we finish."

The match is set to kick-off at 7:35pm, with the victors advancing to face either the Waratahs or Lions in the Super Rugby final.

Hurricanes: Nehe Milner-Skudder, Julian Savea, Jordie Barrett, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Blade Thomson, Gareth Evans, Brad Shields (c), Sam Lousi, Michael Fatialofa, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Ricky Riccitelli, Toby Smith.

Reserves: James O'Reilly, Chris Eves, Ben May, Vaea Fifita, Ardie Savea/Reed Prinsep, Jamie Booth, Ihaia West, Wes Goosen

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