TJ Perenara and Jordie Barrett among several big guns back for Hurricanes’ top-of-the-table clash with Blues

Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw has named a strong side for Saturday’s derby against the Blues in Auckland, with several of his first-choice players returning to the starting XV for this top-of-the-table clash.

After returning to winning ways with a 40-12 triumph over the Waratahs in Wellington last week, Laidlaw has recalled first-choice players TJ Perenara, Jordie Barrett, Xavier Numia, Caleb Delany, Brad Shields and Kini Naholo to his starting line-up.

Super Rugby’s top try-scorer

Perenara, who is Super Rugby‘s all-time leading try-scorer after coming off the bench and crossing for his 63rd try against the Waratahs, is back at scrum-half and will make his 159th Hurricanes appearance.

He will form a half-back partnership with Brett Cameron while Barrett is back at inside centre and is joined in midfield by Billy Proctor, while Ruben Love continues at full-back alongside Naholo and Josh Moorby to form a potent back three.

In the forwards, Shields returns to the blindside flank and joins Brayden Iose (number eight) and Peter Lakai (openside flank) as the starting back-row, while Delany joins Isaia Walker-Leawere in the second-row.

Up front, Numia starts at loosehead prop and packs down in the front-row alongside Kianu Kereru-Symes and All Black Tyrel Lomax, who will line up at hooker and tighthead prop, respectively.

Razor’s Watch: Key All Black injured as old and new faces stand out in Super Rugby Pacific

On the balance of the squad, Laidlaw said: “We’ve managed to strike a really good balance with our squad, we have a level of depth, which we’re really happy with and the competitiveness across the squad.”

He is looking forward to taking on the Blues at Eden Park.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to be able to take on a top side at their home and put our best foot forward,” said Laidlaw.

“The team showed a level of maturity last week to bounce back and put out a strong performance for our fans. We haven’t won in Auckland since 2019 – so we know that there is a massive challenge ahead of the side.”

Hurricanes team to face the Blues

Hurricanes: 15 Ruben Love, 14 Josh Moorby, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Kini Naholo, 10 Brett Cameron, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Brayden Iose, 7 Peter Lakai, 6 Brad Shields (c), 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 Caleb Delany, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Kianu Kereru-Symes, 1 Xavier Numia
Replacements: 16 Raymond Tuputupu, 17 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Justin Sangster, 20 Devan Flanders, 21 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 22 Richard Judd, 23 Bailyn Sullivan

Date: Saturday, May 11
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 16:35 local (05:35 GMT)
Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Jono Bredin (New Zealand), Fraser Hannon (New Zealand)
TMO: Chris Hart (New Zealand)

READ MORE: Crusaders boosted as Codie Taylor and Tamaiti Williams return to action