Coach’s surprising take on costly captaincy call
Outstanding Hurricanes captain Ardie Savea has been rested for Tuesday’s catch-up Super Rugby Pacific game against Moana Pasifika in Wellington.
Reed Prinsep will lead the Hurricanes instead while Christian Leali’ifano will replace fellow former Wallaby Sekope Kepu as Moana Pasifika skipper following the prop’s injury.
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Savea ‘speechless’ after controversial call
HURRICANES vs MOANA PASIFIKA in Wellington, Tuesday 5.05pm AEST
Hurricanes coach Jason Holland has thrown his full support behind captain Ardie Savea following Saturday’s heartbreaking loss to the Crusaders.
Savea elected to turn down a simple penalty shot at goal that would have sent the game into extra time in favour of hunting the match-winning try.
But the plan blew up in his face as Scott Barrett played spoiler at the lineout and Savea’s protestations to the refereeing team were ignored.
“It’s probably something we’d do again to be honest,” Holland said after naming his team for Tuesday’s catch-up game against Moana Pasifika.
With Savea rested, Reed Prinsep will captain the Hurricanes while Christian Leali’ifano will replace fellow former Wallaby Sekope Kepu as Moana Pasifika skipper following the prop’s injury.
The Hurricanes are looking for revenge after being stunned by Moana Pasifika’s first ever win in their previous meeting this year.
HURRICANES (15-1): Ruben Love, Wes Goosen, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Salesi Rayasi, Aidan Morgan, TJ Perenara, Devan Flanders, Blake Gibson, Reed Prinsep (c), Tom Parsons, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Tevita Mafileo, James O’Reilly, Alex Fidow
Reserves: Kianu Kereru-Symes, Jared Proffit, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Te Kamaka Howden, Cam Roigard, Teihorangi Walden, Josh Moorby
MOANA PASIFIKA (15-1): Lolagi Visinia, Tima Fainga’anuku, Levi Aumua, Danny Toala, Neria Foma’i, Christian Leali’ifano (c), Jonathan Taumateine, Henry Time-Stowers, Alamanda Motuga, Alex McRobbie, Samuel Slade, Mahonri Ngakuru, Joe ‘Apikotoa, Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole
Reserves: Ray Niuia, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Taukiha’amea Koloamatangi, Michael Curry, Penitoa Finau, Manu Paea, Lincoln McClutchie, Henry Taefu
READ MORE: Dark times distant memory after incredible feat
READ MORE: Barrett’s brilliant return from scary head injury
READ MORE: ‘Speechless’ Savea fumes after controversial finish
Blues star’s brilliant try-saving tackle
CRUSADERS vs BLUES in Christchurch, Friday 5.05pm AEST
CRUSADERS (TBC)
BLUES (TBC)
Uelese snatches opener for Rebels
REBELS vs REDS in Melbourne, Friday 7.45pm AEST
REBELS (TBC)
REDS (TBC)
Aumua slices through for Moana
CHIEFS vs MOANA PASIFIKA in Hamilton, Saturday 2.35pm AEST
CHIEFS (TBC)
MOANA PASIFIKA (TBC)
Marshall collects try as Highlanders lift
HIGHLANDERS vs HURRICANES in Dunedin, Saturday 5.05pm AEST
HIGHLANDERS (TBC)
HURRICANES (TBC)
FORCE vs WARATAHS in Perth, Saturday 7.45pm AEST
FORCE (TBC)
WARATAHS (TBC)
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