Rugby: Teen in line for Hurricanes debut

Beauden Barrett. Photo / Getty Images

Taranaki teenager Beauden Barrett is in line to make his debut for the Hurricanes after being named on the bench for their Super 15 rugby match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Sunday morning (NZT).

The 19-year-old Barrett was called into the Hurricanes touring squad after first five-eighth Aaron Cruden injured his Achilles in the loss to the Brumbies last weekend and did not travel to South Africa with the team.

Coach Mark Hammett has made four changes to his starting lineup - two of them enforced because of injuries.

Jayden Hayward replaces Conrad Smith at centre after the All Balcks No13 broke his nose in a sickening head clash against the Brumbies while Daniel Kirkpatrick gets another chance in place of Cruden at first five-eighth.

Elsewhere, Hammett has axed All Blacks Neemia Tialata and Jason Eaton from the run on side, swapping places on the bench with Michael Bent and James Broadhurst.

Players not considered for selection include Cory Jane, Piri Weepu, Karl Lowe, Laurence Corlett and Rodney So'oialo.

Hurricanes: Andre Taylor, Alapati Leiua, Jayden Hayward, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Tyson Keats, Victor Vito, Serge Lilo, Jack Lam, James Broadhurst, Jeremy Thrush, Michael Bent, Andrew Hore (captain), John Schwalger. Reserves: Dane Coles, Neemia Tialata, Jason Eaton, Faifili Levave, Chris Eaton, Beauden Barrett, Charlie Ngatai.

- NZPA