The table-topping Hurricanes have made sweeping changes for Friday night’s regular season finale against the Crusaders in Christchurch after securing first place with last week’s win over the Highlanders.
Tyrel Lomax and Cam Roigard return from injury, while Cooper Flanders, Josh Timu and Tongan winger Taniela Filimone are set to make their Hurricanes debuts in a heavily rotated side captained by Brad Shields, who will play his 140th match for the club.
Coach Clark Laidlaw said injuries and workload management influenced the selection but backed the depth of the squad ahead of the sold-out clash, while Bailyn Sullivan is also poised to celebrate his 50th Hurricanes appearance.
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Raymond Tuputupu, Tyrel Lomax, Hugo Plummer, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields (c), Cooper Flanders, Arese Poliko, Cam Roigard, Callum Harkin, Kini Naholo, Jone Rova, Josh Timu, Taniela Filimone, Josh Moorby
Replacements: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Tom Allen, Matolu Petaia, Jordi Viljoen, Lucas Cashmore, Bailyn Sullivan
One round to go. Plenty to play for. Bring it on 🔥
Check out your squad’s list for this week 👉 https://t.co/R5osBPeX9m#SuperRugbyPacific #SRP30 pic.twitter.com/lSihQ9YEvL
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) May 27, 2026
