Rugby: Magpie Danny Toala wins promotion to Hurricanes game day squad

Danny Toala on the burst for the Hawke's Bay Magpies last season. Photo / Photosport

It's fair to say exciting Hawke's Bay Magpies utility back Danny Toala was always destined to crack the Hurricanes Super rugby team ... but this quick?

After just four games for the Magpies, only one of them as a starter, and three days short of his 20th birthday Toala is poised to make his Hurricanes debut when they host the Stormers at Westpac Stadium on Saturday night. With several players, including Magpies teammate Jonah Lowe, either injured or on their All Blacks break weekend Toala has been named on the Canes reserves bench.

"It's pretty exciting but it was a bit of a shock when Jason [Canes assistant coach Holland] told me. I've really enjoyed being part of the Canes environment ... it's been great learning off some of the best players in New Zealand. It has helped me grow as a player," Toala said.

This week the 2017 New Zealand Schools representative has received numerous tips from All Black Jordie Barrett who will start at second five-eighth in the absence of fellow AB Ngani Laumape, another who has been assisting Toala.

Hastings Rugby and Sports club player Toala has been based in Wellington with the Hurricanes since November. He has been in hot form with the Hurricanes Development side and scored a hat-trick against the Blues Development side.

While he is on track to be the starting second five-eighth for the Magpies this season Toala, a member of the national title-winning Hastings Boys' High School first XV in 2017, is unsure this will be his position long-term.

"Different coaches have different preferences," Toala said.

He admitted to knowing little about the Stormers.

"All I know is that they will be big and physical."

Toala is hoping to secure a berth in the New Zealand under-20 team for the June World Championship in Argentina and last weekend attended the Baby Blacks trial camp in Palmerston North.

"It was good to be called into the second trial camp after not going to the first camp. I got to play with some of my mates from teams I've been in in the past."

Magpies head coach Mark Ozich was thrilled to hear of Toala's promotion.

"Danny has worked his backside off and been rewarded for his efforts. I believe he is set for a long career in the No 12 jersey with the Magpies. He runs the right lines, has all the skills, has good feet and his defensive reads are accurate," Ozich said.

Maori All Black Ben May, who will start at tighthead prop, is the only other Magpie in the Canes 23. Hurricanes centenarian Beauden Barrett will captain the Canes.

Last year's top try-scorer Ben Lam returns on the left wing which sees Wes Goosen move to the right from last week's match against the Chiefs.

There will be a first start for Richard Judd at halfback for what will be his fifth appearance for the Hurricanes since making his debut against the Crusaders last year.

Three changes have been made in the forward pack with Liam Mitchell returning at lock while Vaea Fifita moves back to the side of the scrum.

The other changes up front are at hooker where former Magpie Ricky Riccitelli returns to the starting side in place of Dane Coles, who is unavailable for the match along with TJ Perenara and Laumape, while Fraser Armstrong comes in for Toby Smith who has an ankle injury.

There is a fresh look to the bench with Hurricanes head coach John Plumtree returning experienced prop Jeff To'omaga-Allen to the match day squad along with lock Isaia Walker-Leawere and utility back Fletcher Smith. Lat year's Hurricanes squad member James O'Reilly has also been named on the bench with Asafo Aumua unavailable due to concussion.

"As we have said all year we are looking to trust the depth of our squad and give players opportunities and Saturday's match against the Stormers will provide that," Plumtree said.

"The Stormers have built a good record so far this season and we know exactly how tough and direct they will be and that means we are going to have to play really well to maintain our proud home record."

The Hurricanes squad for the 7.35pm match is:
15 Chase Tiatia, 14 Wes Goosen, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Ben Lam, 10 Beauden Barrett (c), 9 Richard Judd, 8 Reed Prinsep, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Vaea Fifita, 5 Liam Mitchell, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Ben May, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Fraser Armstrong.
Reserves: Forwards, 16 James O'Reilly, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Jeff To'omaga-Allen, 19 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20 Sam Henwood. Backs, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Fletcher Smith, 23 Danny Toala.