Hurricanes start their All Blacks against Lions

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd has named his team to play the Lions in Johannesburg on Friday and included several of his All Blacks.

The All Black duo of Beauden Barrett and Conrad Smith have both been included in the starting line up.

Despite having a new coach in Boyd the Hurricanes team has a familiar look about it with several well known faces for the Wellington side.

Gloucester bound Jeremy Thrush has a calf injury so he was not considered for selection and is only expected back in four to six weeks.

With thrush out the door opened for Mark Abbott to move into the starting line up and his Hawke’s Bay teammate, Geoff Cridge will join the squad in Johannesburg.

Meanwhile Nehe Milner-Skudder was not considered for selection this week, due to a knee injury.

Hurricanes

1. Ben Franks , 2. Dane Coles , 3. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen , 4. Mark Abbott , 5. James Broadhurst , 6. Brad Shields , 7. Ardie Savea , 8. Blade Thomson , 9. TJ Perenara , 10. Beauden Barrett , 11. Julian Savea , 12. Rey Lee-Lo , 13. Conrad Smith , 14. Cory Jane , 15. Jason Woodward

Replacements:16. Brayden Mitchell , 17. Reggie Goodes , 18. Chris Eves , 19. Callum Gibbins , 20. Victor Vito , 21. Chris Smylie , 22. James Marshall , 23. Matt Proctor