Hurricanes rush their All Blacks back
Scrumhalf TJ Perenara, who captain the Hurricanes in their Super Rugby pre-season match against the Blues on Saturday, is one of five All Blacks back in the mix.
Fullback Nehe Milner-Skudder, wing Julian Savea, flyhalf Beauden Barrett and No.8 Victor Vito are the other internationals featuring.
Perenara, who is the vice-captain this season, will captain the team in place of regular skipper Dane Coles, who is attending a wedding.
Another World Cup player in the Canes' starting XV is Samoan hooker Motu Matu'u.
The match will also feature the Hurricanes debut of former Warriors Rugby League player and NRL rookie of the year Ngani Laumape, who will combine with centre Matt Proctor in the midfield.
Laumape, along with wing Cory Jane, were among a sizable group of Hurricanes players who missed the team's opening pre-season game against the Western Force in Sydney last week.
Hurricanes: 15 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara (captain), 8 Victor Vito, 7 Callum Gibbins, 6 Brad Shields, 5 Mark Abbott, 4 Blade Thomson, 3 Jeff Toomaga-Allen, 2 Motu Matu'u, 1 Reggie Goodes.
Replacements – from: Leni Apisai, Chris Eves, Ben May, Hisa Sasagi, Loni Uhila, James Blackwell, Vaea Fifita, Tony Lamborn, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Otere Black, James Marshall, Pita Ahki, Willis Halaholo, Jason Woodward, Wes Goosen, Malo Tuitama.
Date: Saturday, February 13
Venue: Eketahuna RFC, Eketahuna
Kick-off: 15.00 (02.00 GMT)
Referee: Chris Pollock
