23 Jul 2020

Setback for Hurricanes ahead of taking on unbeaten Crusaders

3:41 pm on 23 July 2020
Blues fullback Beauden Barrett and Hurricanes captain Dane Coles

Blues fullback Beauden Barrett and Hurricanes captain Dane Coles Photo: Photosport

The Hurricanes have suffered a setback ahead of Saturday's Super Rugby Aotearoa match against the unbeaten Crusaders in Christchurch.

All Blacks hooker Dane Coles has been ruled out with a calf injury, meaning Asafo Aumua will start in the number two jersey.

The Crusaders will also be without one of their All Blacks, with centre Braydon Ennor replaced by Fetuli Paea.

Will Jordan is at fullback in place of David Havili, who's out for the remainder of the season with a broken thumb.

The Cruaders haven't lost a home game in four years, with the Hurricanes the last side to beat them at home in 2016.

Meanwhile former All Black Richard Kahui will make his debut for the Western Force in their Super Rugby Australia clash against the ACT Brumbies in Sydney on Saturday night.

The 35 year old Kahui was a member of New Zealand's 2011 World Cup winning and has spent the past seven seasons playing in Japan.