New Hurricanes signing Ben Franks will make his Super Rugby debut for his new team in Saturday's clash with the Blues in Wellington.
Coach Mark Hammett's line-up has a consistent look from their 2012 squad, with few changes to note.
Franks will pack down at loosehead prop, while Ben May will take the tighthead side with Reggie Goodes on the bench.
Jeffery Toomaga-Allen has been side-lined due to a head knock he received during a pre-season match in Mangatainoka but will be re-assessed early next week.
Alapati Leiua steps into the right wing spot with Cory Jane out for the season. Matt Proctor also received a head knock that has ruled him out this weekend.
On the bench will be three possible new caps, with Ash Dixon the back-up hooker, James Marshall in as utility back in the 21 jersey, and Reynold Lee-Lo a midfield option in number 22.
Other players not considered for selection this week due to injury includes Samisoni Fisilau (hamstring), Jack Lam (knee), Motu Matu'u (pectoral), Matt Proctor (head knock) and Eric Sione (shoulder).
Hurricanes: 15 Andre Taylor, 14 Alapati Leiua, 13 Conrad Smith (c), 12 Tim Bateman, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Brad Shields, 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Victor Vito, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Ben May, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Ben Franks.
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Reggie Goodes, 18 Mark Reddish, 19 Faifili Levave, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 James Marshall, 22 Reynold Lee-Lo.
Date: Saturday, February 23
Kick-off: 19:35 local (06:35 GMT)
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand), Nick Briant (New Zealand)
Television match official: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
Comments
georgesmith says...
Watch-out for TJ. Perenara!
Posted 04:10 21st February 2013
ABlack says...
Gee some of these Kiwi sides have exciting backlines. the canes no different.
Im picking the Chiefs, Crusaders, Highlanders forwards to be the difference in the NZ conference. Nothing changes.
Posted 03:31 21st February 2013