Leawere and Raiyasi to start for Hurricanes against Chiefs

Players with Fijian links Isaia Walker-Leawere and Salesi Raiyasi have been named in the starting line-up for the Highlanders against the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Aotearoa.

Leawere who is the son of former Flying Fijian lock Kele Leawere will start at lock while Raiyasi is on the wing.

Orbyn Leger will make his debut at first-five with Jackson Garden-Bachop unavailable due to the injury sustained against the Crusaders last week.

The 24-year-old has gained experience in the Mitre 10 Cup playing for Counties Manukau since 2017. He has also previously played Super Rugby for both the Blues and, most recently, the Chiefs.

The Hurricanes will take on the Chiefs at 6.05pm tomorrow while the Crusaders will face the Blues at 2.35pm Sunday.

Hurricanes Jordie Barrett, Julian Savea, Billy Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Salesi Rayasi, Orbyn Leger, Luke Campbell, Ardie Savea [c], Du’Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Isaia Walker-Leawere, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Ricky Riccitelli, Xavier Numia.

Replacements: James O’Reilly, Fraser Armstrong, Tevita Mafileo, Liam Mitchell, Devan Flanders, Jonathan Taumateine, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Wes Goosen

[Source: Hurricanes.co.nz]