Longevity record for Nonu and Thrush
All Black veterans Ma'a Nonu and Jeremy Thrush will set new Hurricanes records for longevity when the Super Rugby pace-setters meet the Crusaders on Friday.
Having equalled Tana Umaga's record as the most capped Hurricane last week, Nonu become the sole holder of that record after taking the field in Nelson.
The Trafalgar Park match against the Crusaders will be Nonu's 123rd for the Hurricanes.
His teammate, Thrush, will also equal Andrew Hore's record as the most capped forward – having played 106 matches.
There are four changes to the side that beat the Blues last week.
The team will welcome back Reggie Goodes, James Broadhurst, Ben Franks, Conrad Smith and Matt Proctor for the Crusaders match.
Goodes returns from suspension to take his place at loosehead prop.
Broadhurst returns from a knee niggle to scrum down at lock.
Brad Shields comes in at on the flank, with Blade Thomson moving from flank to No.8 in place of Victor Vito – who drops down to the replacement bench.
Aside from Smith's inclusion, coach Chris Boyd has kept his backline the same as last week.
It means 20-year-old Otere Black will have his second start at flyhalf, after his impressive debut last week.
Hurricanes: 15 James Marshall, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Conrad Smith (captain), 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Otere Black, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Blade Thomson, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Brad Shields, 5 James Broadhurst, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Reggie Goodes.
Replacements: 16 Motu Matu'u, 17 Ben May, 18 Ben Franks, 19 Mark Abbott, 20 Victor Vito, 21 Chris Smylie, 22 Rey Lee-Lo, 23 Matt Proctor.
Date: Friday, May 29
Venue: Trafalgar Park, Nelson
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Kane McBride (New Zealand), Richard Kelly (New Zealand)
TMO: Chris Wratt (New Zealand)
