TJ Perenara will become the most-capped Hurricanes player in history when he starts against the Crusaders in the Vodacom Super Rugby semi-final.
The scrumhalf has been named to start in the playoff in Christchurch. The game will mark his 127th Super Rugby appearance for the Hurricanes, and take him past Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu for the outright record.
Coach John Plumtree has made two changes to the 23 that beat the Vodacom Bulls in the quarter-final. Salesi Rayasi replaces the injured Wes Goosen on the right wing, while loose forward Vaea Fifita makes his return from suspension via the bench.
Hurricanes – 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Salesi Rayasi, 13 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Ben Lam, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Gareth Evans, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Reed Prinsep, 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 James Blackwell,3 Jeff To’omaga-Allen, 2 Dane Coles (c), 1 Toby Smith.
Subs: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Ben May, 19 Kane Le’aupepe, 20 Vaea Fifita, 21 Richard Judd, 22 James Marshall, 23 Jonah Lowe.
Photo: Toru Hanai/Getty Images
