Hurricanes change two for Crusaders game

Hurricanes have announced two changes to their starting line-up for the second round clash of Super Rugby Aotearoa against Crusaders to be played in Wellington on Sunday.

Ardie Savea, who returned from a knee construction surgery in the previous game has been named in the XV with Gareth Evans dropping down on the bench.

The other change sees Vaea Fifita returning to second row replacing Scott Scrafton, who also is named among the replacement list.

“It’s Important we perform better in some key areas of the game and we have worked hard during the week to improve,” he told the Hurricanes’ official website.

“We can’t wait to play at our home stadium and are excited to play again in front of our awesome fans.

“Performing in front of them is a big driver for us this week.”

Hurricanes suffered a 30-20 defeat in the opening round of the tournament against Blues played last weekend at Eden Park.

Hurricanes starting line-up: 15 Chase Tiatia, 14 Wes Goosen, 13 Vince Aso, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Ben Lam, 10 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 9 TJ Perenara (cc), 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Reed Prinsep, 5 Vaea Fifita, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Dane Coles (cc), 1 Fraser Armstrong

Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ben May, 18 Alex Fidow, 19 Scott Scrafton, 20 Gareth Evans, 21 Jamie Booth, 22 Billy Proctor, 23 Kobus Van Wyk