Milner-Skudder back for Force rugby clash

Jun 1, 2017 - 5:43 AM Nehe Milner-Skudder will make his long-awaited return to Super Rugby on Saturday when the Hurricanes play the Western Force in Perth.

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd made six changes to the team who beat the Bulls 34-20 in Pretoria - three in the backs and three in the forwards.

However, it is Milner-Skudder's presence in the reserves that stands out.

The mercurial outside back has not played since breaking two bones in his foot in early March against the Chiefs in Hamilton.

"It's great to have Nehe back in the mix," Boyd said.

"I know he's worked extremely hard during his rehab and he can't wait to pull on the Hurricanes' jersey and get back into the campaign."

The outside back isn't the only player returning in Perth, with five-eighth Beauden Barrett back in the No.10 jersey after being withdrawn from the match against the Bulls as a precaution after reporting headaches.

Boyd said Barrett had passed his concussion protocols and satisfied the medical team he was symptom-free and ready to play.

Barrett takes over from Otere Black in running a backline that includes Cory Jane on the right wing in place of the injured Wes Goosen (shoulder) and Ben Lam on the left for Julian Savea, who looks set to play his 100th match for the Hurricanes against the Chiefs on Friday week in Wellington.

In the forwards, Callum Gibbins replaces Ardie Savea at openside, Reed Prinsep starts at blindside, and Ben May takes over at tight head prop from Jeff To'omaga-Allen.

Prinsep's return to the starting team pushes Vaea Fifita back to lock.

HURRICANES:

Jordie Barrett, Cory Jane, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara (capt), Brad Shields, Callum Gibbins, Reed Prinsep, Vaea Fifita, Sam Lousi, Ben May, Ricky Riccitelli, Loni Uhila.

Res: Leni Apisai, Chris Eves, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Mark Abbott, Ardie Savea, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Otere Black, Nehe Milner-Skudder.

Source: AAP