A bit of reshuffling has gone on at the Hurricanes this week as the team prepares to face the Blues at Eden Park.
Chris Eves and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen will take on the propping duties for the 'Canes on Saturday evening in place of Reggie Goodes and Ben Franks (Achilles), with Ben May and debutant Tolu Fahamokioa coming into the reserves.
The absence of Conrad Smith gives Rey Lee-Lo a start at centre, while Willis Halaholo comes onto the bench in what is his first appearance for the Hurricanes this season.
The Blues and Hurricanes previously met on a balmy March evening in Palmerston North this season, with the Hurricanes prevailing 30-23 courtesy of a late Julian Savea try.
Last year, the Hurricanes and the Blues won one match each against each other. The Hurricanes beat the Blues 39-20 in Wellington and the Blues won the return encounter 37-24 in Auckland. The Blues have won their previous two matches in Auckland, with the Hurricanes' last win there coming in 2012 with a thrilling 26-25 win on fulltime.
Saturday's match will be Ma'a Nonu's 122nd appearance for the Hurricanes, equalling Tana Umaga's record as the most capped Hurricane of all time.
The team to face the Blues at Eden Park this Saturday, kick-off 7.35pm is;
- Chris Eves
- Dane Coles
- Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
- Jeremy Thrush (c)
- James Broadhurst
- Blade Thomson
- Ardie Savea
- Victor Vito
- TJ Perenara
- James Marshall
- Julian Savea
- Ma'a Nonu
- Rey Lee-Lo
- Cory Jane
- Nehe Milner-Skudder
Reserves
- Motu Matu'u
- Ben May
- Tolu Fahamokioa
- Mark Abbott/Callum Gibbins
- Brad Shields
- Chris Smylie
- Otere Black
- Willis Halaholo
Story Highlights
- Tolu Fahamokioa and Willis Halaholo make 'Canes debut
- Ma'a Nonu equals Tana Umaga for most capped Hurricane with 122 matches