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The Hurricanes took a 15-point win over the Reds at home on Saturday afternoon, running out the winners in a 29-14 scoreline.
REPORT: UNDERSTRENGTH HURRICANES BEAT REDS
The Hurricanes played pretty poorly. They managed to be incisive, like all NZ sides, but the lack of quality had them playing like an Australian side. Their scrum and ruckwork was bested by the Reds, but their handling, defence and attacking skill got them over the line.
The Reds played ok, but very much looked like a side that was busying steadying the ship more than anything else. Goromaru did was he asked to, but didn’t show too much else. The Reds wingers and centres were pretty anonymous – unlike the Hurricanes – but Gill was a standout.
Final score
Hurricanes 29
Reds 14
In the highly competitive New Zealand conference the Hurricanes can’t afford another stumble against the underperforming Reds. Can the Hurricanes get their season back on track or will the Reds upset the applecart at Westpac Stadium? Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:30pm (AEST).
The Hurricanes have had an unsettled week. Following their heavy defeat against the Sharks five players Julian and Ardie Savea, Cory Jane and Victor Vito, along with reserve prop Chris Eves have been stood down for missing curfew.
This has resulted in five changes for this fixture. Wellington wing Wes Goosen has been named to make his Super Rugby debut. Goosen takes over on the left-wing from Julian Savea, Jason Woodward comes into the starting fifteen on the right-wing for Cory Jane, Matt Proctor returns at centre, Blade Thomson replaces Victor Vito at No.8 and Callum Gibbins takes over at openside from Ardie Savea.
Loni Uhila takes Eves spot as the reserve loose head prop, while Hawke’s Bay loose forward Tony Lamborn comes into the 23 along with Taranaki’s Te Toirora Tahuriorangi, who replaces Jamison Gibson-Park as the reserve halfback.
The Reds were beaten 38-5 by the Crusaders in Christchurch in their last start. The visitors have lost seven out of ten matches this season. They haven’t beaten the Hurricanes in Wellington since 1998 and have lost 13 of their 19 matches overall against the capital-based franchise.
Despite these alarming stats the Reds have made just one change to the side that played the Crusaders. Japanese World Cup star Ayumu Goromaru comes in to the starting line up for the injured Karmichael Hunt.
Despite the changes this should be a routine win for the Hurricanes, but the Reds held the Blues to a draw and beat the Highlanders proving they can play well against New Zealand teams.
Potential All Black Reg Goodes marking Wallaby tighthead Greg Holmes in the scrums will be an interesting clash as will Liam Gill tussling with the underdone Callum Gibbins.
Prediction: Hurricanes by 10.
Preview prepared by Adam Julian.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.