Barrett back; Nonu rested
The Hurricanes wasted no time in rushing back All Black flyhalf Beauden Barrett for their Super Rugby crunch encounter with the Highlanders in Napier on Friday.
Barrett returns from injury, but will not be taking goal-kicks – as they look to nurse his injured knee.
The return of Barrett is one of four changes to the team looking to bounce back from their 35-18 humbling at the hands of the Crusaders last week.
While the return of their All Black playmaker will be a timely boost, the Hurricanes have opted to rest veteran midfielder Ma'a Nonu.
Rey Lee-Lo takes over from Nonu in the other backline change.
Up front two more All Blacks return – No.8 Victor Vito and prop Ben Franks, taking the places of Brad Shields and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen respectively.
The replacement bench is yet to be named, as the as some players face late fitness tests.
Top of that list is All Black wing Cory Jane, who is struggling with a hamstring strain.
Barrett told the media he hopes he can make a difference in general play, as the Hurricanes look to secure two vital points that will book them top spot in the standings and home ground advantage in the semifinals.
"I feel comfortable to do my job as a No.10, but not really the goal-kicking just because of the nature of the injury," he said.
"I'm just not at that stage in my rehab but I'm good for running around."
Hurricanes: 15 James Marshall, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Conrad Smith (captain), 12 Rey Lee-Lo, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Blade Thomson, 5 James Broadhurst, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Reggie Goodes.
Replacements: TBC
Date: Friday, June 5
Venue: McLean Park, Napier
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant referees: Shane McDermott, Paul Williams
TMO: Aaron Paterson
