Former All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara is set to make his Super Rugby Pacific return after a long-term Achilles injury that ruled him out for the whole of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season last year.
It will be Perenara’s first Super Rugby match since being sidelined after suffering the injury during the All Blacks’ end-of-year tour in 2022.
Perenara will start from the bench, with Cam Roigard starting at halfback in the Hurricanes’ round 3 clash against the Blues on Saturday.
The Hurricanes have also named three players with links to Fiji in their matchday 23 squad with Kiniviliame Naholo starting on the wing and Isaiah Walker-Leawere starting at locks while Salesi Rayasi will be on the bench.
The Blues have also made a few reshuffles to their lineup with Hoskins Sotutu moving to the bench and Akira Ioane starting at number 8.
The Hurricanes will take on the Blues at 6.05pm Saturday at Wellington Regional Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will play the Crusaders at 1.05pm Saturday at Churchill Park, Lautoka.
In other matches this weekend, Moana Pasifika will take on the Rebels at 6.05pm tomorrow, the Waratahs will play the Highlanders at 8.35pm tomorrow, the Brumbies will host the Western Force at 3.35pm Saturday and the Reds will take on the Chiefs at 8.35pm Saturday.
