Nehe Milner-Skudder ruled out for Sunwolves clash

  • 22/02/2017
Nehe Milner-Skudder (Photosport file)
Nehe Milner-Skudder (Photosport file)

The Hurricanes will be without the services of All Black winger Nehe Milner-Skudder for their opening Super Rugby match against the Sunwolves in Tokyo on Saturday.

The 26-year-old was looking to make a highly anticipated return to the field after missing the entire 2016 season due to a shoulder injury.

However, a hamstring strain has seen him remain in New Zealand in a bid to regain full fitness for round two.

Prop Loni Uhila has also been left behind with a calf niggle.

Coach Chris Boyd confirmed neither injury was serious.

"If we had been playing at home they may have been considered, but to sit on a long haul flight with a muscle injury like that was probably not a great idea," said Boyd.

"It's a long season, so we decided the prudent move was to leave them at home and get them 100 per cent right for our first home game against the Rebels in two weeks' time."

The injury to Milner-Skudder opens the door for new recruit Jordie Barrett to make his Super Rugby debut.

Hurricanes tour squad: Jordie Barrett, Cory Jane, Julian Savea, Wes Goosen, Matt Proctor, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Beauden Barrett, Otere Black, TJ Perenara, Chris Smylie, Blade Thomson, Brad Shields, Ardie Savea, Callum Gibbins, Reed Prinsep, Michael Fatialofa, James Blackwell, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Mike Kainga, Ben May, Chris Eves, Dane Coles (capt), Ricky Riccitelli, James O'Reilly.

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