Arguably the Canes most challenging game this year awaits them on Saturday afternoon as they make their way back to Hnry Stadium to take on the Reds.

Going from some of the socials it looks like the starting team will be the below - could be off by a couple of players. I would have liked to see Higgins get a run for obvious reasons but with the bye right around the corner and the players running hot, no point making changes just before the bye.

1. Numia 2. Aumua 3. Lomax 4. Delany 5. Dearns 6. Flanders 7. Kirifi 8. Lakai 9. Roigard 10. Love 11. Fineanganofo 12. Barrett 13. Proctor 14. Moorby 15. Harkin

Reserves: 16. Bason 17. Lauaki 18. Tosi/Mafileo 19. Walker-Leawere 20. Shields 21. Iose 22. Enari 23. Sullivan

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

Arguably the Canes most challenging game this year awaits them on Saturday, no point making changes just before the bye.

Have you forgotten already that you are playing a team that managed to comfortably defeat the only side your guys have lost to all season?

@Higgins said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

Arguably the Canes most challenging game this year awaits them on Saturday, no point making changes just before the bye.

Have you forgotten already that you are playing a team that managed to comfortably defeat the only side your guys have lost to all season?

We also put 50 points on a team they lost to.

@Canes4life And the team you got dealt to were tonked by the wooden spooners as well as you guys holding the dubious accolade as being the lowest scoring team against that same averagely performing winless (at that point) Drua side which gives a pretty good guide as to the ignominy of that loss in Lautoka.

@Higgins said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

@Canes4life And the team you got dealt to were tonked by the wooden spooners as well as you guys holding the dubious accolade as being the lowest scoring team against that same averagely performing winless (at that point) Drua side which gives a pretty good guide as to the ignominy of that loss in Lautoka.

Surely we arent reading that much into our loss against the Drua, the absolute mudbath that barely resembled a game of rugby

@DurryMexted It was the same conditions facing both sides and as someone that was within 15 metres of the sideline witnessing the spectacle and viewing the ground conditions from far closer range than the vast majority of people you and I must have a different rating scale when it comes allocating a points value on the mudbath scale.

I do have the experience of viewing a match in almost mid calf depth mud at the Hunterville Domain in the late 1980s plus a memorable experience at the Taumaranui Domain for an NPC encounter around the same period. Just in Wellington city alone Prince of Wales Park, Martin Luckie Park and even Hataitai Park on a really bad day set a very high benchmark in absolute mudbath standards that make Churchill Park due a rating of "slightly greasy on top" category rating compared to the outstanding examples available in Wellington alone.

@Higgins said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

@DurryMexted It was the same conditions facing both sides and as someone that was within 15 metres of the sideline witnessing the spectacle and viewing the ground conditions from far closer range than the vast majority of people you and I must have a different rating scale when it comes allocating a points value on the mudbath scale.

I do have the experience of viewing a match in almost mid calf depth mud at the Hunterville Domain in the late 1980s plus a memorable experience at the Taumaranui Domain for an NPC encounter around the same period. Just in Wellington city alone Prince of Wales Park, Martin Luckie Park and even Hataitai Park on a really bad day set a very high benchmark in absolute mudbath standards that make Churchill Park due a rating of "slightly greasy on top" category rating compared to the outstanding examples available in Wellington alone.

So you’re saying the only result that has any real merit is the one played in Fiji? Yeaah… I don’t think so mate. If Moorby doesn’t throw that intercept we win anyway, wasn’t much in it.

How many times have the Reds beaten us in the last 10 meetings? I’d say that’s probably a better gauge of how these two sides match-up…

Anyway let’s not distract this thread from a game that happened weeks ago. Go and comment on that game thread if you want to talk about it further.

We do need to demonstrate the ability to win games when conditions don't suit us. A rare win in Canberra would be a reasonable statement of intent

@canefan said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

We do need to demonstrate the ability to win games when conditions don't suit us. A rare win in Canberra would be a reasonable statement of intent

I’m not arguing that fact. The irony is we actually beat the Brumbies in Canberra in an awesome performance last year playing Canes footy, before losing to them in the Quarters when we reverted back to a more conservative style.

What we need to do is be ruthless when it matters and don’t go into our shell. Yes we may need to play slightly smarter and narrower at the end of the season, however we can’t go away from what works for us, and that’s getting our dynamic ball runners into space.

The key is to get home advantage and not fluff it up like we did in 2024 after ending the regular season on top.

@Higgins said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

@DurryMexted It was the same conditions facing both sides and as someone that was within 15 metres of the sideline witnessing the spectacle and viewing the ground conditions from far closer range than the vast majority of people you and I must have a different rating scale when it comes allocating a points value on the mudbath scale.

I do have the experience of viewing a match in almost mid calf depth mud at the Hunterville Domain in the late 1980s plus a memorable experience at the Taumaranui Domain for an NPC encounter around the same period. Just in Wellington city alone Prince of Wales Park, Martin Luckie Park and even Hataitai Park on a really bad day set a very high benchmark in absolute mudbath standards that make Churchill Park due a rating of "slightly greasy on top" category rating compared to the outstanding examples available in Wellington alone.

Sure, based on the fact that neither team could even kick off properly because the ball didnt bounce off the ground it was so saturated, the canes in particular couldnt play their game and have performed differently in every game since so im calling it a write off. But if the reds show up and beat us then ill happily start reading into it a bit more

@DurryMexted said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

@Higgins said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

@DurryMexted It was the same conditions facing both sides and as someone that was within 15 metres of the sideline witnessing the spectacle and viewing the ground conditions from far closer range than the vast majority of people you and I must have a different rating scale when it comes allocating a points value on the mudbath scale.

I do have the experience of viewing a match in almost mid calf depth mud at the Hunterville Domain in the late 1980s plus a memorable experience at the Taumaranui Domain for an NPC encounter around the same period. Just in Wellington city alone Prince of Wales Park, Martin Luckie Park and even Hataitai Park on a really bad day set a very high benchmark in absolute mudbath standards that make Churchill Park due a rating of "slightly greasy on top" category rating compared to the outstanding examples available in Wellington alone.

Sure, based on the fact that neither team could even kick off properly because the ball didnt bounce off the ground it was so saturated, the canes in particular couldnt play their game and have performed differently in every game since so im calling it a write off. But if the reds show up and beat us then ill happily start reading into it a bit more

I’m 100% in the same boat as you are. It’s funny all the rugby shows and media keep saying “oh but the Canes haven’t played anyone in the top 6” blah blah blah. If we beat the Reds, what will be the next excuse? ‘we haven’t played the Chiefs, Crusaders and Blues’…. give me a break.

This Hurricanes team is playing some sublime rugby atm and they deserve a big crowd on Saturday. I’ll be heading along for my first game in over a year so hopefully they can keep humming.

Long range forecast for Saturday is showers so if it’s crap conditions, we’ll soon know if the Canes can adapt.

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

It’s funny all the rugby shows and media keep saying “oh but the Canes haven’t played anyone in the top 6” blah blah blah. If we beat the Reds, what will be the next excuse? ‘we haven’t played the Chiefs, Crusaders and Blues’…. give me a break.

Blues, Brumbies, Chiefs & Crusaders. I think they are all harder than the Reds

Two things can be true - the Canes are playing really well and the second half of their season is much much harder than the first half

@Duluth said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

It’s funny all the rugby shows and media keep saying “oh but the Canes haven’t played anyone in the top 6” blah blah blah. If we beat the Reds, what will be the next excuse? ‘we haven’t played the Chiefs, Crusaders and Blues’…. give me a break.

Blues, Brumbies, Chiefs & Crusaders. I think they are all harder than the Reds

Two things can be true - the Canes are playing really well and the second half of their season is much much harder than the first half

The Reds beat the Brumbies in Canberra so they can't be discredited either. I feel like anyone in the top 6 is capable of going all the way, that's why getting home advantage is going to be vital.

Very hard second half coming up no doubt, looking forward to seeing what this side is made of. I don't expect us to win every game obviously, but those home games are vital. Looking at this week against the Reds, and the Blues game after the bye, if we win those (bonus point or not) that will be a great start.

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

Arguably the Canes most challenging game this year awaits them on Saturday afternoon as they make their way back to Hnry Stadium to take on the Reds.

Going from some of the socials it looks like the starting team will be the below - could be off by a couple of players. I would have liked to see Higgins get a run for obvious reasons but with the bye right around the corner and the players running hot, no point making changes just before the bye.

1. Numia 2. Aumua 3. Lomax 4. Delany 5. Dearns 6. Flanders 7. Kirifi 8. Lakai 9. Roigard 10. Love 11. Fineanganofo 12. Barrett 13. Proctor 14. Moorby 15. Harkin

Reserves: 16. Bason 17. Lauaki 18. Tosi/Mafileo 19. Walker-Leawere 20. Shields 21. Iose 22. Enari 23. Sullivan

Harkin is ruled out with a concussion.

@Landers92 said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

Arguably the Canes most challenging game this year awaits them on Saturday afternoon as they make their way back to Hnry Stadium to take on the Reds.

Going from some of the socials it looks like the starting team will be the below - could be off by a couple of players. I would have liked to see Higgins get a run for obvious reasons but with the bye right around the corner and the players running hot, no point making changes just before the bye.

1. Numia 2. Aumua 3. Lomax 4. Delany 5. Dearns 6. Flanders 7. Kirifi 8. Lakai 9. Roigard 10. Love 11. Fineanganofo 12. Barrett 13. Proctor 14. Moorby 15. Harkin

Reserves: 16. Bason 17. Lauaki 18. Tosi/Mafileo 19. Walker-Leawere 20. Shields 21. Iose 22. Enari 23. Sullivan

Harkin is ruled out with a concussion.

He's made of glass

@Landers92 said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

Arguably the Canes most challenging game this year awaits them on Saturday afternoon as they make their way back to Hnry Stadium to take on the Reds.

Going from some of the socials it looks like the starting team will be the below - could be off by a couple of players. I would have liked to see Higgins get a run for obvious reasons but with the bye right around the corner and the players running hot, no point making changes just before the bye.

1. Numia 2. Aumua 3. Lomax 4. Delany 5. Dearns 6. Flanders 7. Kirifi 8. Lakai 9. Roigard 10. Love 11. Fineanganofo 12. Barrett 13. Proctor 14. Moorby 15. Harkin

Reserves: 16. Bason 17. Lauaki 18. Tosi/Mafileo 19. Walker-Leawere 20. Shields 21. Iose 22. Enari 23. Sullivan

Harkin is ruled out with a concussion.

Hopefully Barrett to 15 and Higgins to 12.

Likely Sullivan to 14 and Moorby to 15 though.

@Canes4life yup Moorby to 15.

In the forwards Lomax is back, Kirifi 7 and Lakai 8

@Landers92 said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

@Canes4life yup Moorby to 15.

In the forwards Lomax is back, Kirifi 7 and Lakai 8

Great news, that was what I had based on the social media photos so nice to have that confirmed.

Harkin was probably due a break anyway, so probably a good thing.

Not the biggest fan of Moorby at 15, his kicking game is average.

Here's the match pack for this week. Canes going after 11 wins in a row against the Reds,

Both teams currently rank high in a number of key areas.

Hurricanes

Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Warner Dearns, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Fehi Fineanganofo, Jordie Barrett (co-c), Billy Proctor, Bailyn Sullivan, Josh Moorby

Replacements: Vernon Bason, Siale Lauaki, Pasilio Tosi, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Lucas Cashmore, Jone Rova

Reds

Aidan Ross, Josh Nasser, Nick Bloomfield, Seru Uru, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Louis Werchon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Isaac Henry, Filipo Daugunu, Jock Campbell

Replacements: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Treyvon Pritchard

I’m expecting a Higgins leaving announcement any week now.

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

I’m expecting a Higgins leaving announcement any week now.

Yeah im shocked that Rova seems to be ahead of him in the pecking order, maybe hes pissed Laidlaw off. Would be completely fair for him to be looking elsewhere really

@DurryMexted said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

I’m expecting a Higgins leaving announcement any week now.

Yeah im shocked that Rova seems to be ahead of him in the pecking order, maybe hes pissed Laidlaw off. Would be completely fair for him to be looking elsewhere really

It’s actually so painful. Higgins is one of our brightest talents and we’ll probably lose him because of Laidlaw who’s proven to be a shit selector when it’s mattered.

He also has Walker-Leawere back in the 23 despite him proving time and time again that’s he’s an absolute liability.

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

I’m expecting a Higgins leaving announcement any week now.

Just spoken to a contact. He has confirmed Higgins definitely isn’t injured and won’t be on the injured list the Canes put out. I’m working to find out if there is more to the story or if it’s just a case of Rova being fit and training better. Something is definitely a bit fishy from the outside looking in

@Landers92 said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

I’m expecting a Higgins leaving announcement any week now.

Just spoken to a contact. He has confirmed Higgins definitely isn’t injured and won’t be on the injured list the Canes put out. I’m working to find out if there is more to the story or if it’s just a case of Rova being fit and training better. Something is definitely a bit fishy from the outside looking in

Higgins has proven how good he is and would have started all of last year if it wasn’t for a broken leg. Now he can’t get a look in, it’s so frustrating.

He got about 10 mins against the Force.

Is Laidlaw just a moron when it comes to selection or does he just not like Higgins?

Which Kiwi team is going to nab Higgins? The Blues to replace Lam seems most likely.

@samwise said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

Which Kiwi team is going to nab Higgins? The Blues to replace Lam seems most likely.

Landers will be after him as well as a centre. No doubt the Crusaders will also be sniffing around.

Back to the game anyway, can’t really see the Canes dropping this game, the starting 15 looks A1, especially with Lomax back.

Is that the Reds third string halves combo?

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

Is that the Reds third string halves combo?

I know Kalani Thomas has been in Wallaby squads but I would say Werchon is a better 9. He's been impressive

Agreed on 10 though. Shame that Carter Gordon is injured this week.

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

@samwise said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

Which Kiwi team is going to nab Higgins? The Blues to replace Lam seems most likely.

Landers will be after him as well as a centre. No doubt the Crusaders will also be sniffing around.

They do need to replace Ennor and McLeod,
Cooper Roberts has signed , Still a gap there.

@Chris said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

@samwise said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

Which Kiwi team is going to nab Higgins? The Blues to replace Lam seems most likely.

Landers will be after him as well as a centre. No doubt the Crusaders will also be sniffing around.

They do need to replace Ennor and McLeod,
Cooper Roberts has signed , Still a gap there.

Who’s the other young gun down your way? Tony Bell is it? Has he signed?

@KiwiMurph said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

Is that the Reds third string halves combo?

I know Kalani Thomas has been in Wallaby squads but I would say Werchon is a better 9. He's been impressive

Agreed on 10 though. Shame that Carter Gordon is injured this week.

Yeah he’s probably been the form Aussie 10 and one of the form 10s in the comp. I’m glad he’s out haha

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

@Chris said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

@samwise said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

Which Kiwi team is going to nab Higgins? The Blues to replace Lam seems most likely.

Landers will be after him as well as a centre. No doubt the Crusaders will also be sniffing around.

They do need to replace Ennor and McLeod,
Cooper Roberts has signed , Still a gap there.

Who’s the other young gun down your way? Tony Bell is it? Has he signed?

Yes he Toby Bell has signed, Cooper Roberts who has signed is the one with big Wraps on him.

@Canes4life I worry that Higgins is off to the NH probably Scotland. He is off contract this year and hasn’t re-signed with the Canes.

@SecFid can either Tuipulotu or Jones play in the outside backs? 1 of them would be made too

@Landers92 said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

I’m expecting a Higgins leaving announcement any week now.

Just spoken to a contact. He has confirmed Higgins definitely isn’t injured and won’t be on the injured list the Canes put out. I’m working to find out if there is more to the story or if it’s just a case of Rova being fit and training better. Something is definitely a bit fishy from the outside looking in

Did you end up digging any info up on this?

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes vs Reds:

I’m expecting a Higgins leaving announcement any week now.

Riley Higgins doesn't leave, he gives the place he was permission to remain.

Harry Godfrey doing sprints with Harkin and Punivai on the sideline atm. Looking at Godfrey, he definitely looks like he’ll be back this season. Looks in great nick.

Lomax withdrawn due to injury, Mafileo to start.