All Black boost for Hurricanes
The Hurricanes have been boosted by the return of All Blacks prop John Schwalger for their mid-season Super Rugby friendly against the Crusaders in Levin on Friday.
Schwalger recently signed a two-year contract with the Hurricanes, and will also play for Wellington in the national provincial championship this year.
He has returned to the Wellington-based franchise after spending two years playing for Agen in France's Top 14 competition.
Friday's match will ease the two teams back into Super Rugby, which resumes on June 28 – following a three-week break for the June internationals.
Schwalger, Timo Tutavaha and Nehe Milner-Scudder have been called in to boost the squad, with 11 players currently away on international duty.
The Hurricanes have named a 24 man line-up for this mid-season encounter.
Hurricanes: 15 Andre Taylor, 14 Richard Buckman, 13 Reynold Lee-Lo, 12 Ope Peleseuma, 11 Matt Proctor, 10 James Marshall, 9 Chris Smylie, 8 Brad Shields, 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Faifili Levave, 5 James Broadhurst, 4 Blade Thomson, 3 John Schwalger, 2 Ash Dixon, 1 Reg Goodes.
Replacements – from: Timo Tutavaha, Ben May, Mark Reddish, Jason Eaton, Callum Gibbins, Mike Coman, TJ Perenara, Samisoni Fisilau, Nehe Milner-Scudder.
Date: Friday, June 21
Venue: Levin Domain, Levin
Kick-off: 18.45 (06.45 GMT
Referee: TBC
