Vito, Jane & Shields back for Hurricanes vs Bulls

The Hurricanes have named their team to play the Bulls at McLean Park in Napier and have been boosted by the return of Victor Vito, Brad Shields and Cory Jane for the clash.

The All Black duo of Vito and Jane come straight into the starting line up at No.8 and at wing respectively while Brad Shields returns on the replacements bench.

The return of Vito and Shields means that Blade Thomson drops down to the replacements bench while Ardie Savea drops out of the match day squad.

Midfield back Tim Bateman has been ruled out due to injury so Alapati Leiua starts next to captain Conrad Smith and Andre Taylor retains his place at fullback.

Bateman has a small fracture in his shoulder blade but does not need an operation
and it is hoped he can return in a few weeks.

Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett has bracketed Jeffery Toomaga-Allen after he sustained a head knock against the Crusaders and he will be monitored before the match.

Should Toomaga-Allen fail his fitness test he will be replaced by John Schwalger who will start in his place and Schwalgers place on the bench will be filled by Reggie Goodes

Hurricanes

15 Andre Taylor, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Alapati Leiua, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Faifili Levave, 5 James Broadhurst, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen/John Schwalger, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Ben Franks.

Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Chris Eves, 18 John Schwalger/Reggie Goodes, 19 Blade Thomson, 20 Brad Shields, 21 Billy Guyton, 22 Hadleigh Parkes, 23 Marty Banks.