Proctor is back as one of nine changes to the starting lineup for the Hurricanes against the Brums, having been included in the team’s matchday lineup.
The 24-year-old will pair up in the midfield with rising talent Riley Higgins, taking Peter Umaga-Jensen’s position in the No. 13 uniform. Josh Moorby and Bailyn Sullivan are the designated outside backs, while Richard Judd enters at halfback.
Pouri Rakete-Stones, Devan Flanders, and Peter Lakai have all been named in the Hurricanes’ First XV to face the visiting NSW Waratahs at the Cake Tin, marking four further changes in the forward pack.
After the Hurricanes’ Saturday loss to the Brumbies, coach Clark Laidlaw again made significant changes to the starting lineup, and Billy Proctor will lead a revamped team on Friday night.
At hooker, Kereru-Symes will start for the first time for the Hurricanes, with Justin Sangster returning to the bench.
With players like Du’Plessis Kirifi, TJ Perenara, Jordie Barrett, and Salesi Rayasi poised to come off the bench, Coach Laidlaw has his arsenal of players strong.
“We’re incredibly happy with the balance of our squad, especially considering the intensity of the game. The management team—coaches, media, and S&C—has done a fantastic job of keeping the lads fresh and ready to play well,” coach Laidlaw said in a statement.
We never take for granted the opportunity to play in front of our home crowd when we return home, and we are eager to welcome all of the junior Hurricanes from our community into the stadium.
Isaia Walker-Leawere and Caleb Delany will pack down alongside Pouri Rakete-Stones, Kian Kereru-Symes, and All Black Tyre Lomax in the front row. Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, and Devan Flanders, who is back, form a formidable combination of loose forwards.
Richard Judd will split the halves with Brett Cameron, a Test All Black. Higgins and captain Proctor in the midfield should give the outside backs lots of chances to show off their skills.
Hurricanes team to take on the Waratahs
Pouri Rakete-Stones
Kianu Kereru-Symes
Tyrel Lomax
Caleb Delany
Isaia Walker-Leawere
Devan Flanders
Peter Lakai
Brayden Iose
Richard Judd
Brett Cameron
Bailyn Sullivan
Riley Higgins
Billy Proctor (c)
Josh Moorby
Ruben Love
Replacements
Raymond Tuputupu
Xavier Numia
Pasilio Tosi
Justin Sangster
Du’Plessis Kirifi
TJ Perenara
Jordie Barrett
Salesi Rayasi
Unavailable for selection: Asafo Aumua, Jacob Devery, Cam Roigard, James Tucker, James O’Reilly
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