Hurricanes midfielder Tim Bateman will return to the field on Friday night after being sidelined with a knee injury for six weeks.
Hurricanes assistant coach Alama Ieremia said Bateman's experience would be an important addition to the team when they take on the Crusaders in round seven of the Super 15.
"His on-field leadership will certainly help the team this weekend. Tim's worked hard at getting himself ready and he's excited to be back in the line-up.''
Bateman slots into a backline that is largely unchanged from the Hurricanes encounter with the Highlanders last week, with fullback Andre Taylor also claiming a spot in the starting XV.
No 8 Blade Thomson returns to the starting line-up following an injury spell last week, while lock James Broadhurst retains his position after a strong performance last week.
