Sport

Milner-Skudder handed home start

08:38 am on 11 March 2015

The Manawatu fullback Nehe Milner-Skudder will make his Hurricanes starting debut in front of his home crowd in their Super Rugby clash with the Blues in Palmerston North on Friday.

The Hurricanes and Manawatu outside back Nehe Milner-Skudder. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Having entered the 2015 season with a knee injury, Milner-Skudder had a strong appearance off the bench against the Western Force in Perth a fortnight ago.

24-year-old Milner-Skudder replaces James Marshall in the number 15 jersey with Marshall dropping to the bench.

Winger Matt Proctor also gets a start in place of resting All Black, Cory Jane, while TJ Perenara comes back into the starting line-up.

Jeremy Thrush returns from injury and will occupy a spot on the bench set for his first action of the season.

The Hurricanes have won all 3 of their matches so far, while the Blues have lost all 4 of their games.

The team to face the Blues at FMG Stadium, kick-off 7.35pm Friday is;

1. Reggie Goodes

2. Dane Coles

3. Ben Franks

4. Mark Abbott

5. James Broadhurst

6. Brad Shields

7. Ardie Savea

8. Victor Vito

9. TJ Perenara

10. Beauden Barrett

11. Julian Savea

12. Ma'a Nonu

13. Conrad Smith (c)

14. Matt Proctor

15. Nehe Milner-Skudder

Reserves

16. Motu Matu'u

17. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen

18. Chris Eves

19. Jeremy Thrush

20. Blade Thomson

21. Chris Smylie

22. Rey Lee-Lo

23. James Marshall