Rugby: Milner-Skudder to start at home for Hurricanes

Nehe Milner-Scudder of the Hurricanes. Photo / Getty Images.

Manawatu fullback Nehe Milner-Skudder will start for the Hurricanes when they host the Blues in Palmerston North on Friday night.

Milner-Skudder was one of the form players for the Turbos in last year's ITM Cup and after making his Super Rugby debut off the bench against the Force two weeks ago, he will get a chance to go from the opening whistle this week.

The 3-0 Hurricanes, who have shown improved defence and forward play this year, will be a tough opponent for the Blues who have lost their first four games of the season as the pressure mounts on coach John Kirwan.

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd has also continued to rotate his All Blacks - who all need to miss two games this season - as Cory Jane skips this week's match, giving Matt Proctor a chance on the wing.

Captain Conrad Smith, who sat out the win over the Force in Perth before the side went on a bye, will reunite with Ma'a Nonu in the midfield.

International lock Jeremy Thrush returns to the reserves after a calf problem kept him on the sideline to start the season. His injury-enforced layoff means he has completed his mandatory rest period for the year.

TJ Perenara will start at halfback as Chris Smylie reverts to the bench. Backup hooker Motu Matu'u will also join the reserves this week after an injury-plagued pre-season.

Utility forward Blade Thomson has recovered from a shoulder ailment that kept him out of the game against the Force and he will join the bench, pushing Callum Gibbins out of the match-day squad.

Hurricanes: Nehe Milner-Skudder, Matt Proctor, Conrad Smith (c), Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, James Broadhurst, Mark Abbott, Ben Franks, Dane Coles, Reggie Goodes. Reserves: Motu Matu'u, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Chris Eves, Jeremy Thrush, Blade Thomson, Chris Smylie, Rey Lee-Lo, James Marshall