Super Rugby
Savea, Perenara join Barrett on sidelines
ESPN Staff
May 7, 2015
TJ Perenara is being rested by the Hurricanes this week © Getty Images
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A Hurricanes backline already missing Beauden Barrett will also be without in-form All Blacks Julian Savea and TJ Perenara when they host the Sharks. Coach of the Super Rugby leaders Chris Boyd has elected to hand winger Savea and half-back Perenara a break under the rest requirement for All Blacks players this season.

There are six changes in total from the side that beat the Crusaders 29-23 in last weekend to push the Hurricanes five points clear atop the standings. Savea is replaced by Matt Proctor and Perenara by Chris Smylie while James Marshall is at first five-eighth in place of Barrett, who suffered a medial ligament tear which will rule him out for about a month.

Up front, Boyd welcomes back No.8 Victor Vito from a calf injury which sidelined him from their last three games. He and Blade Thomson are recalled to the loose forward mix, replacing in-form pair Brad Shields and Callum Gibbins.

Prop Chris Eves makes a notable start in place of Reggie Goodes. All of Eves' 21 Hurricanes appearances have been off the bench but Boyd says the Manawatu loosehead is ready to prove himself against a powerful Sharks scrum. Hooker Dane Coles, who came off the bench following a six-week injury break (elbow) last week, was unavailable for selection after suffering a calf strain against the Crusaders.

The Sharks have slumped to 11th place after losing their last four games, including a 48-15 drubbing from the Highlanders last week.

Hurricanes: Nehe Milner-Skudder, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith (capt), Ma'a Nonu, Matt Proctor, James Marshall, Chris Smylie, Victor Vito, Ardie Savea, Blade Thomson, James Broadhurst, Jeremy Thrush, Ben Franks, Motu Matu'u, Chris Eves. Reserves: Brayden Mitchell, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Reggie Goodes, Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields, Frae Wilson, Otere Black, Rey Lee-Lo.

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