Coles to lead Hurricanes

Editor

Hooker Dane Coles will make his captaincy debut for the Hurricanes when they take on the Force in Perth this weekend.

The 28-year-old has been handed the duties in the absence of Conrad Smith, who will sit out this week’s match.

Coach Chris Boyd has continued to rotate players in certain positions this week, moving Blade Thomson to lock alongside James Broadhurst, while Ardie Savea comes back in to the starting line-up. Victor Vito will also have his first start for the 2015 season, along with Chris Smiley and James Marshall.

Manawatu full-back Nehe Milner-Skudder returns from a knee injury, and will come off the bench for the Canes.

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

Date: Friday, February 27
Venue: nib Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 19:00 local (11:00 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Graham Cooper (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)