Hurricanes 50 up for Taylor

 

The 26-year old, who made his debut for the Wellington-based side in 2010, says he is happy and suprised to have reached a half-century of Super Rugby caps.

 

"This is a special milestone for me, and it’s actually one I never thought I’d reach.

 

"I can’t wait to run out onto the park alongside my teammates and make sure we put together another solid performance," Taylor said.

 

Hurricanes head coach Mark Hammett has made just one change to the team which beat the Blues 39-20 last week, with Ben Franks back in action after his has recovered from injury.

 

Franks takes the number one jersey from Reggie Goodes who drops down to the replacements bench, while John Schwalger drops out of the matchday squad – and faces a long spell on the sidelines after being diagnosed with blood clots on his lungs. 

 

The Hurricanes and the Reds will have the Anzac legacy at the forefront of their minds when they take the field this weekend.

 

Hurricanes captain Conrad Smith will lead his team out wearing a limited edition, poppy-embroidered jersey, which will be auctioned off to raise funds for the Returned Services Association.

 

Smith said playing the match on Anzac weekend was a huge honour and he was proud to represent the Hurricanes on such an important day.

 

"Being involved in a commemoration such as this, and being able to contribute by doing something that we love, is a huge honour. 

 

"To see so many different groups come together and recognise the service and sacrifice of the people who went before us will be a huge occasion for not only me, but both teams."

 

Both teams will mark the significance of Anzac Day by joining shoulder-to-shoulder in a moment’s silence prior to the match.

 

Hurricanes: 15 Andre Taylor, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith (captain), 12 Alapati Leiua, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Faifili Levave, 5 James Broadhurst, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Ben Franks.

Replacements: 16 Motu Matu'u, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Reggie Goodes, 19 Blade Thomson, 20 Ardie Savea, 21 Chris Smylie, 22 Tim Bateman, 23 Matt Proctor.

 

Date: Saturday, April 26

Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington

Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT; 17.35 AEST)

Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand), Shane McDermott (New Zealand)

TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)