Nonu back for Canes

Ma'a Nonu will start at inside centre in one of three changes to the Hurricanes side to face the Bulls at Loftus on Friday.

The All Black centre missed the Hurricanes' 22-8 win over the Lions at Ellis Park to attend the birth of his child, but has slotted back into the starting XV for his second debut at the franchise where he made his name.

He will be partnered in midfield by Test teammate Conrad Smith, in a backline boasting no fewer than six All Blacks.

The other changes come among the forwards, where Callum Gibbins will make his first start in place of Ardie Savea, while Reggie Goodes replaces Jefferry Toomaga-Allen in the front row, with Ben Franks shifting to tighthead.

This will be the 19th occasion the Hurricanes and the Bulls have met in Vodacom Super Rugby, with both winning nine matches each.

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

Super Rugby teams (Round 2)

Photo: Marty Melville/Getty Images