The Hurricanes and the Reds will have the Anzac legacy at the forefront of their minds when they take the field this weekend.
Hurricanes captain Conrad Smith will lead his team out wearing a limited edition, poppy-embroidered jersey, which will be auctioned off to raise funds for the Returned Services Association.
Smith said playing the match on Anzac weekend was a huge honour and he was proud to represent the Hurricanes club on such an important day.
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“Being involved in a commemoration such as this, and being able to contribute by doing something that we love, is a huge honour. To see so many different groups come together and recognise the service and sacrifice of the people who went before us will be a huge occasion for not only me, but both teams.”
Air Training Corps cadets will form a guard of honour for the Hurricanes as they take the field, while the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band are set to entertain the crowd at half time.
Both teams will mark the significance of Anzac Day by joining shoulder-to-shoulder prior to the match to observe the Ode, the playing of the Last Post, a moment’s silence, plus the Rouse and Reveille.
A number of special guests will also be in attendance at the match, including Australian High Commissioner, Michael Potts, Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Tim Keating, and Vice Chief, Air Vice-Marshal Kevin Short. Acting Air Force Chief, Air Vice-Marshall Mike Yardley will also be at the match, along with members of the British High Commission.
Coach Mark Hammett has named an almost identical team to that which beat the Blues 39-20 at Westpac Stadium last week, with Ben Franks the only change as he makes a return from injury.
This weekend’s Anzac match will also be a special one for starting fullback, Andre Taylor.
The 26-year-old will bring up 50 matches for the club, and says it’s an achievement he can’t wait to celebrate.
“This is a special milestone for me, and it’s actually one I never thought I’d reach.
“I can’t wait to run out onto the park alongside my teammates and make sure we put together another solid performance.”
Hurricanes: 15 Andre Taylor, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith (Captain), 12 Alapati Leiua, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Faifili Levave, 5 James Broadhurst, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Ben Franks
Replacements: 16 Motu Matu’u, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Reggie Goodes, 19 Blade Thomson, 20 Ardie Savea, 21 Chris Smylie, 22 Tim Bateman, 23 Matt Proctor.
Date: Saturday 26 April
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-Off: 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 17:35 AEST, 07:35 GMT)
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand), Shane McDermott (New Zealand)
TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)