Perenara set to bring up century
Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara will join the Hurricanes 100 club when he lines up against the Highlanders on Saturday.
There is just one change to Chris Boyd’s starting side that defeated the Crusaders 29-19 in their last match with Murray Douglas replacing Vaea Fifita who has been ruled out with a minor shoulder injury.
There are two changes to the bench with All Blacks prop Jeff Toomaga-Allen returning after being sidelined with injury.
Toomaga-Allen replaces former Blues prop Marcel Renata who made his Hurricanes debut against the Crusaders two weeks ago.
The only other change is loose forward Reed Prinsep coming in for Blade Thomson.
Perenara will be the 13th Hurricanes player to reach 100 games for the club, and joins Beauden Barrett as the second Hurricane to hit the mark this season.
The 26-year-old has also captained the Hurricanes 16 times and he has also scored more tries than any other halfback in Super Rugby history.
HURRICANES
1. Chris Eves, 2. Ricky Riccitelli, 3. Ben May, 4. Murray Douglas, 5. Sam Lousi, 6. Brad Shields, 7. Ardie Savea, 8. Gareth Evans, 9. TJ Perenara, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Ben Lam, 12. Ngani Laumape, 13. Matt Proctor, 14. Julian Savea, 15. Jordie Barrett.
Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. Fraser Armstrong, 18. Jeff Toomaga-Allen, 19. Michael Fatialofa, 20. Reed Prinsep, 21. Richard Judd, 22. Ihaia West, 23. Vince Aso.