The Hurricanes have named their strongest possible line-up to play the Super Rugby competition leaders Crusaders in Wellington on Saturday.
Hurricanes first five Beauden Barrett. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
All Blacks TJ Perenara, the Barrett brothers Beauden and Jordie, the Savea brothers Ardie and Julian and midfielder Ngani Laumape all return following the British and Irish Lions series.
The defending champions need to beat the unbeaten Crusaders to avoid heading to South Africa for the first round of the playoffs next week.
Perenara replaces Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi at halfback and reclaims the captaincy from Brad Shields, Barrett slots back into the No.10 jersey for Otere Black, while Ardie Savea takes over at openside from Callum Gibbins.
Black drops out of the match day 23 meaning Jordie Barrett will again provide cover at first five for his older brother.
The Hurricanes Team to play the Crusaders at Westpac Stadium is:
15 Jordie Barrett
14 Nehe Milner-Skudder
13 Vince Aso
12 Ngani Laumape
11 Julian Savea
10 Beauden Barrett
9 TJ Perenara (c)
8 Brad Shields
7 Ardie Savea
6 Vaea Fifita
5 Sam Lousi
4 Mark Abbott
3 Jeff To'omaga-Allen
2 Ricky Riccitelli
1 Ben May
Reserves:
16 James O'Reilly
17 Chris Eves
18 Loni Uhila
19 Reed Prinsep
20 Callum Gibbins
21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
22 Wes Goosen
23 Cory Jane
