TJ Perenara
All Blacks scrumhalf TJ Perenara will play his 50th match for the Hurricanes when they face the Rebels in Wellington on Friday.
Perenara made his debut for the ‘Canes against the Stormers in 2012, and has since racked up 105 points for the franchise by way of 21 tries.
The 23-year-old will pair with James Marshall this weekend in what will be the 1st start for the halfback combination, with coach Chris Boyd opting to rest Beauden Barrett.
Also taking a break this week is prop Ben Franks, along with wing Julian Savea, which has allowed Boyd to shuffle his back 3.
Matt Proctor comes in for Savea, while Jason Woodward has been given another start at fullback. Manawatu flyhalf Otere Black will also get his 1st chance for the Hurricanes, should he come off the bench.
With Ardie Savea (finger) and Blade Thomson (concussion) ruled out, Callum Gibbins occupies the No 7 jersey, with Adam Hill coming into the reserves.
Hurricanes: 15 Jason Woodward, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith (Captain), 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Matt Proctor, 10 James Marshall, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Callum Gibbins, 6 Brad Shields, 5 James Broadhurst, 4 Jeremy Thursh, 3 Ben May, 2 Motu Matu’u, 1 Reggis Goodes
Replacements: 16 Brayden Mitchell, 17 Jerrery Toomaga-Allen, 18 Chris Eves, 19 Mark Abbott, 20 Adam Hill, 21 Chris Smylie, 22 Otere Black, 23 Nehe Milner-Skudder.
Date: Friday, March 27
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-Off: 08:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 17:35 AEDT, 06:35 GMT)
Referee: Stuart Berry
Assistant Referees: Craig Joubert, Shane McDermott
TMO: Aaron Paterson