The Hurricanes have named three new caps for their Super Rugby Pacific season opener against Moana Pasifika at Sky Stadium on Friday night.
Japan captain Warner Dearns will start at lock in his first appearance for the Wellington-based side, while loose forward Arese Poliko and utility forward Matolu Petaia are set to make their debuts off the bench.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7.05pm, with doors opening at 5.30pm.
Head coach Clark Laidlaw said the team was eager to get its campaign under way after a first-round bye.
“It’s an exciting week to name our first team for our first home game of the year,” Laidlaw said.
“After having to sit and watch the competition last week, it’s exciting to finally get a chance to play live in front of our home supporters.”
Dearns, born in Wellington and raised in Hawke’s Bay, joins the Hurricanes from Japanese champions Toshiba Brave Lupus on a season-long sabbatical deal. He partners Hugo Plummer in the second row.
In the front row, Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua and Siale Lauaki start, while All Blacks loose forward Peter Lakai returns at openside flanker for his first match of the year. He is joined in the back row by Devan Flanders at blindside and Brayden Iose at No 8.
Ereatara Enari and Brett Cameron combine at halfback and first five. Jordie Barrett will captain the side from second five in his first Hurricanes appearance since 2024, with Bailyn Sullivan alongside him in midfield.
Josh Moorby, also returning for his first Hurricanes match since 2024, starts on the right wing. He forms a back three with Fehi Fineanganofo on the left and Callum Harkin at fullback.
On the bench, Poliko and Petaia are joined by All Blacks Cam Roigard and Billy Proctor, both in line for their first appearances of the year. Brad Shields has recovered from a finger injury to be named in the reserves.
Laidlaw said each of the debutants had taken a different path to Friday night’s match.
“Warner has just arrived and is an exciting addition to the squad. He’s fitted in really well and we’re excited to get him into the competition and start growing his game,” he said.
“Matolu’s come in from the wider training group probably earlier than he expected, but with a few niggles up front, he gets his chance.
“Arese was here all of last year. He’s had to show some real patience, but I think the whole team can’t wait to watch him play.”
Poliko, born in Australia and raised in Samoa, did not begin playing rugby until age 15 after initially focusing on football. He later earned a scholarship to Menzies College in Southland and has impressed over two NPC seasons with Taranaki.
Petaia, 21, was selected in last year’s wider training group draft and has two NPC seasons with Wellington. He can cover lock, blindside flanker and No 8.
Laidlaw said last year’s clash against Moana Pasifika drew a strong crowd and hoped supporters would turn out again.
“It was a huge crowd against Moana last year, so hopefully we can create that again and put in a performance that gets our fans excited and gets them coming back for the rest of the season,” he said.
Friday’s match is sponsored by Fiso Investment Group. Entertainment includes New Zealand music veteran Frankie Stevens as MC and Porirua all-girl pop group A.R.T performing at halftime alongside Tautua Dance Academy.
Injury list
Unavailable due to injury are Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Harry Godfrey, Ruben Love, Josh Timu and Kini Naholo.