Milner-Skudder to start for Hurricanes

Feb 2, 2017 - 7:44 PM Nehe Milner-Skudder and Jordie Barrett will share fullback duties when the Super Rugby champion Hurricanes begin their pre-season campaign in Auckland.

Milner-Skudder will start at the back in his return from serious injury when the Hurricanes face the Blues on Saturday.

It will be the first game for the All Blacks winger since his 2016 season was ruined by a shoulder injury suffered in the opening weeks of Super Rugby.

Coach Chris Boyd says new signing Barrett will take over the role in the second half.

The younger brother of All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett, the versatile Jordie was a standout figure last year for the New Zealand under-20 side and for Canterbury. He was named NPC player of the year.

Beauden Barrett, like the squad's other All Blacks, won't play in the match.

HURRICANES: Nehe Milner-Skudder, Malo Tuitama, Jonah Lowe, Vince Aso, Wes Goosen, Tiaan Falcon, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Hugh Renton, Callum Gibbins, James Blackwell, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Michael Fatialofa, Mike Kainga, Asafo Aumua, Reg Goodes. Reserves: Loni Uhila, Joe Apikotoa, Chris Eves, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Ricky Riccitelli, Mark Abbott, Vaea Fifita, Brad Shields, Toa Halafihi, Antonio Kirikiri, Reed Prinsep, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Otere Black, Mason Emerson, Ngani Laumape, Matt Proctor, Jordie Barrett.

Source: AAP