Hurricanes change for Brumbies
The Hurricanes have made two changes to the team that returned from their tour of South Africa, as they kick off their home season at Westpac Stadium.
Winless after opening the season with two games in South Africa, this Friday will see the Canes host last year's finalists, the Brumbies.
In changes to the starting line-up Adam Hill comes into the No.6 jersey for Faifili Levave, who has been ruled out injured for Friday.
James Marshall also gets his first start of the season, coming in at fullback.
The big point of debate is that exciting flank Ardie Savea remains on the bench. The athletic openside is regarded as a bright talent, having joined the All Blacks on their tour of Europe last November in a learning capacity.
However, coach Mark Hammett said flank Jack Lam was among their best players in South Africa, leaving no room for Savea, who was nursed through his debut season last year and told to bulk up.
"So firstly he's got a guy in front of him who's playing outstanding footy," Hammett told Radio Sport.
"We were up against big South Africans and obviously Ardie, still one of his work-ons is getting size."
At the game this week, there will also be a special post-match presentation to mark Ben Franks' 100th Super Rugby game – which he achieved against the Stormers last weekend.
Hurricanes: 15 James Marshall, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith (captain), 12 Hadleigh Parkes, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Blade Thomson, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Adam Hill, 5 Mark Reddish, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 John Schwalger, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Ben Franks.
Replacements: 16 Motu Matu'u, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 19 James Broadhurst, 20 Ardie Savea, 21 Chris Smylie, 22 Alapati Leiua, 23 Marty Banks.
Date: Friday, March 7
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT; 17.30 AEDT)
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
