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