Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Former All Black halfback TJ Perenara is back in the Hurricanes after more than a year out with injury.
He ruptured his Achilles on the All Blacks 2022 end of year tour and has been sidelined for 454 days.
New Zealand's TJ Perenara Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Perenara, the first Hurricane to reach 150 caps, has been pencilled in to start at halfback in Friday's Super Rugby pre-season clash with Moana Pasifika in Upper Hutt.
Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw said the veteran halfback has recovered well from his injury and has no doubt he will hit the ground running.
"TJ certainly hasn't lost any of his edge. It's been an exciting time for him, with his return from injury and the birth of his second child a couple of weeks ago. We're looking forward to seeing him back out there and we know he will be raring to go when called upon."
The match will be the first time the Hurricanes training base at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS) has hosted a Super Rugby Pacific preseason match.
"We're excited to welcome our fans, our community and Moana Pasifika to NZCIS. Having been based here for 14 months now, it'll be great to have a game out here and give back to NZCIS for their foresight in developing the facility," said Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee.
Thirty-five players have been named to take on Moana Pasifika, which will also see the return of All Blacks, Tyrel Lomax, and Jordie Barrett.
Jordie Barrett in action for the Hurricanes. Photo: AAP / www.photosport.nz
After a loss to the Highlanders last week in Dunedin, the Hurricanes now turn their attention to hosting Moana Pasifika.
Laidlaw said the Highlanders game gave him and his coaching staff some food for thought.
"Although we're a little disappointed how we played against the Highlanders, it was great to get everyone here in preseason who was fit and healthy some live rugby.
"There were no serious injuries which is a bonus in preseason, and it has given us an opportunity to improve some areas we can take into the game against Moana Pasifika. So, we're excited to see how we go on the back of our game last week."
Isaia Walker-Leawere starts at lock after being unavailable for the Highlanders match.