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- De Zerbi hails Greenwood as Marseille await Paris Saint-Germain
- Under-fire Ten Hag blames injuries for derailing Man Utd
- Wounded Arsenal must show 'ruthless mentality' against Liverpool: Arteta
- Howe challenges Newcastle stars to step up
- UK's Labour govt prepares to unveil its first budget
- New Zealand eye history after Santner's 7-53 in India Test
- Guardiola backs Man City's Foden to emerge from slump
- England reeling at 24-3 after gritty Shakeel century
- Pakistan judicial reforms see next top judge passed over
- Germany promises more visas for Indians during Scholz visit
- Postecoglou says hype will not affect teenage star Moore
- PSG reject league order to pay Mbappe 55 mn euros in back pay
- Olympic champion Zheng finds mojo to reach Tokyo semis
- Gritty Shakeel century gives Pakistan lead over England in third Test
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- Ancelotti 'not losing sleep' over improved Barca ahead of Clasico
- New Zealand lead by 301 after Santner's 7-53 in India Test
- Stock markets diverge in steady end to week
- UK climate strategy ruled lawful in landmark court case
- Lebanon says Israeli strike that killed media workers a 'war crime'
- Slot targets Arsenal scalp after flying start for Liverpool
- Shakeel's gritty century lifts Pakistan to parity in third Test
- Uganda court sentences former LRA commander to 40 years
- Marc Marquez clocks lap record to go fastest in Thai MotoGP practice
- Smog in Pakistan megacity ends outdoor play for schoolkids
- New Zealand on top after Santner's 7-53 in India Test
- 'End of an era' for Hezbollah after Israel killed its leader
- 'End of an era' for Hezbollah after Israel's killed its leader
- Lebanon minister says Israel strike puts second Syria crossing out of service
- Ahmed triple strike leaves Pakistan 187-7 in third Test
- Lebanon says Israeli strike killed 3 media workers
- Asia markets diverge after Tesla boosts Wall Street
- Tunisian freediver Walid Boudhiaf eyes records and developing the sport
- Schauffele makes up ground in Japan after opening-day nightmare
- Santner takes seven as New Zealand bowl out India for 156
- Lebanon says Israeli strike kills 3 journalists
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- Locals fume as Lisbon's historic trams become tourist 'toy'
- India 107-7 after Santner takes four wickets for New Zealand
- Myanmar rebels take the road to Mandalay
- Taiwan president says 'won't yield an inch' in defence of island's territory
- Thunder roll past Jokic's Nuggets to open NBA campaign
- Bezzecchi quickest in opening practice for Thai MotoGP
- Commonwealth struggles to overcome splits over brutal past
- Stafford throws four touchdowns as Rams beat Vikings
- More than 150 Rohingya refugees rescued off Indonesia: UN
- Thai massacre families demand justice as charge deadline expires
- Asia markets split after Tesla boosts Wall Street
- Stung in Europe, Bayern and Dortmund face tricky away trips
Table-topping Hurricanes beef up for Super Rugby showdown in Auckland
The Wellington Hurricanes have beefed up their starting side for Saturday's top-of-the-table Super Rugby showdown at the Auckland Blues, adding captain Brad Shields, plus All Blacks Jordie Barrett and TJ Perenara.
The Hurricanes head to Eden Park just one point ahead of the second-placed Blues with four rounds left of the regular season.
Barrett takes his place in the midfield with the scrumhalf berth filled by Perenara, who scored his 63rd Super Rugby try off the bench last weekend to set a new competition record.
Former England international Shields packs down at blindside flanker with junior New Zealand international Xavier Numia also coming into the side at prop.
Head coach Clark Laidlaw said his team faced a tough task in Auckland, where the Hurricanes have not won for five years.
"This is an exciting opportunity for us to be able to take on a top side at their home and put our best foot forward," said Laidlaw.
"We haven't won in Auckland since 2019 –- so we know that there is a massive challenge ahead."
The Hurricanes are the leading try scorers this season with 53, just ahead of the Blues and the Waikato Chiefs who are tied on 52 each.
Blues full-back Zarn Sullivan returns from a knee injury, while his sibling Bailyn is on the Hurricanes bench.
"It's awesome, it's a proud moment for our family," Zarn Sullivan said.
The Blues have a point to prove after the Hurricanes carved out a 29-21 win when the teams met in Wellington in March.
"It's a top-of-the-table clash, I know the boys will be up for the occasion and wanting to right a few wrongs from when we lost to them down in Wellington," Sullivan added.
The Blues have also selected a powerful side with a back row made up of All Blacks Dalton Papali'i, Hoskins Sotutu and Akira Ioane.
All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane sits out having suffered a concussion in last Friday's 38-11 win at the Melbourne Rebels.
B.Finley--AMWN