Vince Aso hits 50 for Hurricanes

David Skippers

Outside centre Vince Aso will play his 50th game for the Hurricanes in their Super Rugby derby against the Blues in Wellington on Saturday.

Hurricanes head coach Jason Holland has made just two changes to his starting line-up following a massive 62-15 win against the Sunwolves in Napier last week.

Jordie Barrett coming back into the fold as full-back will be the only change made to the backline.

Up front, Isaia Walker-Leawere gets the nod at lock ahead of James Blackwell who will start the game on the replacements bench.

Holland said management is spoilt for choice when it comes to selection.

“We have a competitive squad, with a lot of depth,” he said.

“When we sit down early in the week to discuss the line-up, we’re always faced with a challenge around who we pick and it’s natural that one or two will be disappointed.”

TJ Perenara will once again take the role of captain, with Dane Coles named in the side but on the bench.

Kobus van Wyk has his second chance to shine at right wing, after a triumphant debut which saw him score three tries last weekend.

His strength and speed are things Holland hopes to utilise this weekend.

“If we can get our attacking game operating like it was last week, it should be quite an exciting game to watch,” he added.

“We cannot underestimate the Blues. They have some big boys up front and their defensive capability is solid. “

Hurricanes: 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Vince Aso, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Ben Lam, 10 Fletcher Smith, 9 TJ Perenara (c), 8 Gareth Evans, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Vaea Fifita, 5 Scott Scrafton, 4 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Xavier Numia
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18 Alex Fidow, 19 James Blackwell, 20 Devan Flanders, 21 Jamie Booth, 22 Billy Proctor, 23 Wes Goosen

Date: Saturday, March 7
Venue: Sky Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19:05 (06:05 GMT)
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Rasta Rasivhenge (South Africa), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
TMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)

Hurricanes