Defending champions of Super Rugby, the Hurricanes have already made their first surprise move of 2017.
Coach, Chris Boyd has opted to inject the World Rugby player of the year, Beauden Barrett off the pine in Saturday's Super Rugby opener against the Sunwolves in Tokyo.
Otere Black, now in his third season with the franchise, will run the cutter at No 10 outside new captain TJ Perenara, with Dane Coles to also sit on the bench. Ricky Riccitelli will wear his No 2 jersey.
Jordie Barrett wins the fullback berth.
The Hurricanes will play the Sunwolves at 4.15pm this Saturday.
Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Cory Jane, Matt Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Otere Black, TJ Perenara (capt), Blade Thomson, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, Michael Fatialofa, James Blackwell, Jeffery To'omaga‑Allen, Ricky Riccitelli, Chris Eves. Reserves: Dane Coles, Ben May, Mike Kainga, Reed Prinsep, Callum Gibbins, Chris Smylie, Beauden Barrett, Vince Aso.
Source: NZ Herald
