Hurricane Barrett to hit milestone against Blues

First five-eighth Beauden Barrett will play his 50th Super Rugby match for the Hurricanes this weekend when his team faces the Blues at Eden Park.

Barrett said it was always a proud moment to run out in the Hurricanes jersey, but there would be an extra sense of pride when he takes the field this Saturday.

“I grew up watching this team – I watched my dad be a part of it – so to reach 50 games for the Canes is a pretty special moment for me,” he said.

Coach Mark Hammett has again named a similar side to that which has played the bulk of the season, with the only changes injury-related.

Matt Proctor will start at fullback in place of Andre Taylor, while Ben Franks’ groin injury is still being monitored.

Replacement hookers Ash Dixon and Motu Matu’u are also both in question.

Reggie Goodes is the first choice to cover the possibility of both Franks and the hookers being unavailable, with Mike Kainga and Brendon Edmonds named as back up if required.

Hurricanes

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

Replacements : 16. Ash Dixon/Motu Matu’u/Goodes/Mike Kainga,17. Chris Eves,18. Reggie Goodes/Brendon Edmonds,19. Brad Shields,20. Ardie Savea,21. Chris Smylie,22. Tim Bateman,23. James Marshall