Jordie Barrett returns for Hurricanes

Jordie Barrett will make his return to Super Rugby Aotearoa, as the Hurricanes get set for a clash against the Chiefs in Hamilton this Sunday.

The 22-year-old has been nursing a shoulder injury for the first two rounds of the competition, which meant Chase Tiatia took over as fullback.

The Hurricanes are coming off a bye and assistant coach, Chris Gibbes says there’s a lot on the line.

“It’s going to be a huge clash for both teams who are desperate to win. Both sides are playing good rugby, without the results to match. We need to go out there stay focussed and meet the intense physicality that the Chiefs are going to bring at home.”

Peter Umaga-Jensen also gets his first start over Vince Aso and Kobus Van Wyk gets the nod ahead of Wes Goosen.

Up front, Scott Scrafton is the sole change made to the forward pack which went up against the Crusaders two weeks ago – replacing Vaea Fifita at lock.

The Hurricanes last played the Chiefs a few days before COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the original Super Rugby season. In that game, the Hurricanes 27 – 24 thanks to a last-minute penalty from Barrett.

The Hurricanes side to take on the Chiefs in Hamilton is:

1              Fraser Armstrong            
2              Dane Coles [cc]
3              Tyrel Lomax       
4              James Blackwell
5              Scott Scrafton   
6              Reed Prinsep    
7              Du’Plessis Kirifi 
8              Ardie Savea       
9              TJ Perenara [cc]
10           Jackson Garden-Bachop
11           Ben Lam              
12           Ngani Laumape
13           Peter Umaga-Jensen     
14           Kobus Van Wyk
15           Jordie Barrett    
RESERVES:
16.          Ricky Riccitelli    
17.          Ben May             
18.          Alex Fidow         
19.          Vaea Fifita          
20.          Devan Flanders/Liam Mitchell    
21.          Jamie Booth      
22.          Billy Proctor       
23.          Wes Goosen