Hurricanes continue rotation

The Hurricanes will welcome back a number of players for their match against the Crusaders in Nelson on Friday.

Coach Chris Boyd has made several changes to the side that did the job against the Blues in Auckland last weekend, with captain Conrad Smith restored to the starting XV outside of Ma'a Nonu.

With a play-off berth already assured, Boyd has also opted to bench tighthead Ben Franks and No 8 Victor Vito, with Chris Eves and Callum Gibbins being promoted from the bench.

Meanwhile, the pack has been boosted by the return of Reggie Goodes and James Broadhurst as the Hurricanes look to maintain their unblemished record against New Zealand sides.

The final change to the match-day squad sees Matt Proctor make an appearance on the substitutes bench.

Hurricanes – 15 James Marshall, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Conrad Smith (c), 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Otere Black, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Blade Thomson, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Brad Shields, 5 James Broadhurst, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Reggie Goodes.
Subs: 16 Motu Matu'u, 17 Ben May, 18 Ben Franks, 19 Mark Abbott, 20 Victor Vito, 21 Chris Smylie, 22 Rey Lee-Lo, 23 Matt Proctor.

Super Rugby teams (Round 15)

Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix