‘Resilient’ TJ Perenara to make long-awaited return after horror injury while Jordie Barrett’s replacement named

Scrum-half TJ Perenara is set to make his Super Rugby Pacific comeback after being named on the Hurricanes bench for this weekend’s encounter.

The 32-year-old ruptured his Achilles tendon during New Zealand’s end-of-year series clash against England in November 2022.

Perenara therefore missed the entirety of the 2023 Super Rugby campaign and the subsequent Rugby World Cup due to the injury.

“Tenacity”

“TJ is extremely competitive and loves a challenge, so his tenacity and resilience is no surprise as he seeks to continue playing for the Team he loves,” Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw said.

“He turns up every day with an attitude to be better and that’s why he’s the player he is.”

The scrum-half had a few minutes for the ‘Canes in their pre-season game with Moana Pasifika but this will be his first competitive action should he come on as a replacement against the Blues.

Once again, All Blacks hopeful Cam Roigard, who will be looking to take that half-back slot now that Aaron Smith has moved to Japan, starts in a pretty settled backline.

The only alteration obviously comes at centre with Jordie Barrett suspended following his high tackle on Jordan Petaia. Riley Higgins is Barrett’s replacement and joins co-captain Billy Proctor in the midfield.

Meanwhile, Ruben Love once again lines up at full-back alongside the two wings, Josh Moorby and Kini Naholo.

Up front, Laidlaw has generally kept faith with the eight that edged past the Reds, although James Tucker will make his debut at lock.

They will look to keep up their fine Super Rugby start following successive victories at the beginning of the 2024 campaign.

“I am very pleased with how we’ve gone over the past two weeks. Winning a couple of games away from home at the start of the season is always a bonus,” the head coach said.

“But I thought the composure we showed as a full group in golden point, as well as being under immense pressure at times throughout the match was encouraging. It’s always good to win tough games like that.

“We’re looking forward to our first derby game at home this week in front of our fans and supporters. Kiwi derbies are always big games and we’re looking forward to playing at home.

“We’re under no illusion how tough it’s going to be. But we’re excited and up for the challenge.”

Hurricanes team to face Blues

Hurricanes: 15 Ruben Love, 14 Josh Moorby, 13 Billy Proctor (cc), 12 Riley Higgins, 11 Kini Naholo, 10 Brett Cameron, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Brayden Iose, 7 Peter Lakai, 6 TK Howden, 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 James Tucker, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Asafo Aumua (cc), 1 Tevita Mafileo
Replacements: 16 James O’Reilly, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Caleb Delany, 20 Devan Flanders, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 23 Salesi Rayasi

Date: Saturday, March 9
Venue: Sky Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19:05 local (06:05 GMT)
Referee: Jordan Way (Australia)
Assistant Referees: Nick Hogan (New Zealand), Natarsha Ganley (New Zealand)
TMO: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)

READ MORE: Jordie Barrett: The ‘growth’ future All Blacks miss after South Africa left Super Rugby