Perenara brings up his half-ton
Hurricanes scrumhalf TJ Perenara will run on for his 50th match this Friday, as his team takes on the Rebels in Wellington.
Perenara made his debut for the Canes against the Stormers in 2012, and has since racked up 105 points for the franchise by way of 21 tries.
The 23-year-old will pair with James Marshall this weekend, in what will be the first start for the No.9 and No.10 combination, with coach Chris Boyd opting to rest Beauden Barrett.
Also taking a break this week is prop Ben Franks, along with Julian Savea, which has allowed Boyd to shuffle his back three.
Matt Proctor comes in for Savea, while Jason Woodward has been given another start at fullback.
Manawatu's Otere Black will also get his first chance for the Hurricanes, should he come off the bench on Friday.
With Ardie Savea (finger) and Blade Thomson (concussion) ruled out, Callum Gibbins occupies the No.7 jersey, with Adam Hill coming into the reserves.
Hurricanes: 15 Jason Woodward, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith (captain), 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Matt Proctor, 10 James Marshall, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Callum Gibbins, 6 Brad Shields, 5 James Broadhurst, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Ben May, 2 Motu Matu'u, 1 Reggie Goodes.
Replacements: 16 Brayden Mitchell, 17 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 18 Chris Eves, 19 Mark Abbott, 20 Adam Hill, 21 Chris Smylie, 22 Otere Black, 23 Nehe Milner-Skudder.
Date: Friday, March 27
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19.35 (17.35 AEDT; 06.35 GMT)
Referee: Stuart Berry (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Craig Joubert (South Africa), Shane McDermott (New Zealand)
TMO: Aaron Paterson (New Zealand)
