Hurricane To Unleash Fijian Flanker

Another Fijian rugby player is ready to make his debut in this weekend's Shop N Save Super Round in Melbourne, Australia.

The Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw has named flanker Veveni Lasaqa on the bench in Sunday's clash against the Queensland Reds.

Lasaqa plays for Bay of Plenty in the New Zealand National Provincial Championship and captained the New Zealand Fiji Barbarians.

"You never want to start your season losing two or three players in the same position," Laidlaw said of including Lasaqa.

Hurricanes flanker Veveni Lasaqa.

"We're excited and comfortable giving some of the guys an opportunity as we have some depth in the loose forwards area, so we're excited to see them go out and play."

Lasaqa joins fellow Fijian players Kini Naholo, Isaiah Walker-Leawere and Salesi Rayasi in the Hurricanes Match 23 squad.

On a happy note, Jordie Barrett will join brother Beauden in the Hurricanes centurion club and will become the 16th in franchise history alongside legends like Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Tana Umaga.

The All Blacks midfielder will continue his combination with centre Billy Proctor and he has been named to start at second five-eighth for the special game.

"It's a huge achievement for Jordie and his family to join the 100 club alongside Beauden," Laidlaw said.

"He's a proud Hurricane and we're super proud of him and how he plays the game and how he's taken to the leadership role with both hands.

"He's got a great attitude, and it will be a special day."

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