Rugby: Savea unavailable for Hurricanes

Julian Savea on the burst against the Waratahs. Photo / Getty Images

Julian Savea has made himself unavailable for the Hurricanes' match against the Stormers in Palmerston North on Friday night.

Savea appeared in Wellington District Court on Monday on a charge of assault and was remanded on bail without plea until May 15.

There has been plenty of comment about whether it was right for the All Blacks wing to play in the Hurricanes' victory over the Force in Wellington on Friday with the charge hanging over him and now it appears he has withdrawn from the squad.

Coach Mark Hammett said: "Julian has made himself unavailable for the Stormers game this week before he re-joins the team next week. Julian has approached us on this decision and we agree.''

Jason Eaton, Karl Lowe, Victor Vito and TJ Perenara return to the starting XV, with Beauden Barrett back at first five and Andre Taylor at fullback. Matt Proctor gets his first start on the wing as Savea's replacement.

The Hurricanes team to play the Stormers at FMG Stadium at Palmerston North on Friday, kick-off 7.35pm is: Andre Taylor, Alapati Leiua, Conrad Smith (c), Tim Bateman, Matt Proctor, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Karl Lowe, Brad Shields, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Motu Matu'u, Ben Franks. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Ben May, Mark Reddish, Faifili Levave, Ardie Savea, Chris Smylie, Tusi Pisi.