Coles to lead Canes

All Blacks hooker Dane Coles will make his captaincy debut for the Hurricanes when they face the Force in Perth.

The Canes are on top of the New Zealand conference after two wins on their tour of South Africa and have taken the opportunity to rotate for the latest match of their tour.

Coles will take over the captaincy duties from regular skipper Conrad Smith, who will sit out Friday's match.

There is a change in the second row, with Blade Thompson shifting forward to partner James Broadhurst. The move sees Ardie Savea promoted to the starting XV alongside Victor Vito, who makes his first start of the season.

Among the backs, scrumhalf Chris Smylie and fullback James Marshall have also been handed starting roles, while Manawatu fullback Nehe Milner-Skudder will make his return from a knee injury from the bench.

Hurricanes – 15 James Marshall, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Rey Lee-Lo, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Chris Smylie, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Brad Shields, 6 Ardie Savea, 5 James Broadhurst, 4 Blade Thomson, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Dane Coles (c), 1 Reggie Goodes.
Subs: 16 Brayden Mitchell, 17 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 18 Chris Eves, 19 Mark Abbott, 20 Callum Gibbins, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Matt Proctor, 23 Nehe Milner-Skudder.

Photo: Grant Downs/Photosport