Roar Guru
The Reds must win against the Hurricanes if they are to live up to early season expectations, but they will have to get it done on the road as they travel to Westpac Stadium, Wellington. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5.35pm (AEST).
Tonight’s game is crucial for the Reds if they are to have any chance of staying in check with the Australian conference, they are currently placed fourth on 16 points, equal with the Melbourne Rebels.
While the Hurricanes sit comfortably in third position in the New Zealand conference with 21 points and seventh overall.
In recent weeks, the Hurricanes have set the bar high for the Reds with three straight wins compared with the Reds who have only won one out of their previous three games.
Wellington have also scored more points and tries per game than any other side this season.
The Hurricanes and Reds have both made changes to their outfits, with the Reds making four significant changes while the Hurricanes have only brought in Ben Franks.
The changes the Reds’ coach Richard Graham announced included the returning of Ben Daley to loosehead and Saia Fainga’a who will be replacing James Hanson as the starting hooker. While changes to the backline includes returning Mike Harris to inside centre and Jamie-Jerry Taulagi to the wing.
Head-to-head the Hurricanes have won 11 out 15 games against the Reds.
However, the Reds have never won against the Hurricanes in Wellington, so if history prevails, a loss will be forthcoming tonight for the Reds.
Tip: At home, the Hurricanes will play a fast game and get over the line
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