Rugby: Boyd keeping the faith with Hurricanes

TJ Perenara of the Hurricanes. Photo / Getty Images.

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd has largely stuck with his winning formula in naming his team for Friday night's meeting with the Highlanders in Dunedin.

After his men cast the Blues aside 30-23 in Palmerston North last week, Boyd has made only a handful of changes for the trip south.

Suspended lock James Broadhurst has been replaced by All Black Jeremy Thrush, while workhorse Mark Abbott will drop to the bench with Blade Thomson starting next to Thrush in the second-row.

Wing Cory Jane, who was given a rest against the Blues, returns to the fold in place of Matt Proctor in the only change to the backline.

Prop Ben May and loose forward Callum Gibbins have been added to the bench.
Hooker Dane Coles was named earlier today but was later scratched with Motu Matu'u joining the starting side. Brayden Mitchell will jump to the bench.

The 4-0 Hurricanes will meet a surging Highlanders team who have begun the 2015 season with three wins and a loss.

After such a promising start to the campaign, confidence is high in the capital but Hurricanes technical coach Richard Watt said the team had done their best to remain focused.

"Winning breeds confidence and the boys come through the gate with a spring in the step. It's good."

The game should be an entertaining affair at the indoor surrounds of Forsyth Barr Stadium and Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara welcomed the opportunity to play in the glass enclosure.

"You know you're getting dry ball. You know you're not going to be getting any wind," he said.

Hurricanes: Nehe Milner-Skudder, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith (c), Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, Blade Thomson, Jeremy Thrush, Ben Franks, Motu Matu'u, Reggie Goodes. Reserves: Brayden Mitchell, Ben May, Chris Eves, Mark Abbott, Callum Gibbins, Chris Smylie, Rey Lee-Lo, James Marshall