Mark Geenty05:00, May 28 2021
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Gareth Evans returns to the Hurricanes No 8 jersey, under the captaincy of Reed Prinsep, right (file photo).
Five months after undergoing an ankle reconstruction, and a year since his previous run-on start, Gareth Evans will don the Hurricanes No 8 jersey on Friday night with the nervous excitement of a debutant. The one-test All Black (against Japan in 2018) and Super Rugby title winner (with the Highlanders in 2015) will gallop onto his home ground at McLean Park, Napier, to face the Western Force after playing 30 minutes off the bench in the 35-13 win over the Rebels.
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Jeremy Thrush of the Force intends to provide a bit of niggle to the New Zealand Super Rugby teams.
Western Force lock Jeremy Thrush has vowed to “p. a few people off” during the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition, and he’s keen to roll around again next year too. The former All Blacks forward has been a key figure at the Force since joining them in 2018, with his leadership and competitive spirit helping drive the squad to greater heights. The Force broke through for their maiden finals appearance in Super Rugby AU this year and the Perth-based franchise almost toppled the Chiefs last week in a 20-19 loss.