Julian Savea named in Hurricanes' line-up against Blues

Hurricanes head coach Jason Holland has named Julian Savea in the starting line up for the Super Rugby Aotearoa game opener against Auckland Blues.

This will be Julian's first game for Hurricanes since 2018 and will start at left wing with Wes Goosen at right. Julian's brother Ardie Savea will captain the side for the first time which will also be his 100th game.

Jordie Barrett will start at fullback with Billy Proctor and Ngani Laumape at midfield. Jackson Garden-Bachop will take the kicking responsibility forming halfback partnership with Jonathan Taumateine.

Devan Flanders, Ardie Savea and Vaea Fifita start at back row with James Blackwell partnering with Scott Scrafton at second row. Fraser Armstrong, Asafo Aumua and Tyrel Lomax make up the front row as they look to make a winning start to the tournament. Luke Campbell will make his Super Rugby debut for Hurricanes when he comes off the bench.

Hurricanes line-up: 15. Jordie Barrett, 14. Wes Goosen, 13. Billy Proctor, 12. Ngani Laumape, 11. Julian Savea, 10. Jackson Garden-Bachop, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 8. Devan Flanders, 7. Ardie Savea, 6. Vaea Fifita, 5. Scott Scrafton, 4. James Blackwell, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 2. Asafo Aumua, 1. Fraser Armstrong.

Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Xavier Numia, Alex Fidow, Reed Prinsep, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Luke Campbell, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Salesi Rayasi.