Ardie Savea will play from the bench in one of six changes for the Hurricanes’ match against the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Savea, who was in excellent form in the victory over the Sharks in Durban last weekend, is having his workload managed and is replaced by Du’Plessis Kirifi.

The fit-again Gareth Evans makes a return to the starting lineup in place of the suspended Vaea Fifita, with Reed Prinsep moving from No 8 to flank to accommodate him.

There are two further changes to the pack as Isaia Walker-Leawere comes into the second row, while Ricky Riccitelli, who sat out the match in Durban, leapfrogs Dane Coles to start at hooker.

Injury blows to Matt Proctor (pectoral muscle) and Wes Goosen (hamstring) see Jordie Barrett move into centre, while Chase Tiatia will start on the wing. Tiatia’s inclusion sees Ben Lam move to the right wing, while James Marshall is promoted to fullback.

Beauden Barrett and TJ Perenara will play their 100th match as a combination.

Hurricanes – 15 James Marshall, 14 Ben Lam, 13 Jordie Barrett, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Chase Tiatia, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara (c), 8 Gareth Evans, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Reed Prinsep, 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Jeff To’omaga-Allen, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Toby Smith.
Subs: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Fraser Armstrong, 18 Ross Geldenhuys, 19 Liam Mitchell, 20 Ardie Savea, 21 Richard Judd, 22 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 23 Salesi Rayasi.

Vodacom Super Rugby teams (Round 17)

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