Super Rugby: Hurricanes rest All Blacks trio for clash with Stormers

Jordie Barrett's role as a utility will take another turn for the Hurricanes when he slots into the midfield for Saturday's game against the Stormers.

Already used both on the wing and at fullback so far this season, the 22-year-old will make his next appearance in the number 12 jersey, as the red-hot Ngani Laumape rests according to All Blacks-enforced protocol, having played five consecutive games.

They'll be also without the services of two other All Blacks for that same reason, with Dane Coles and TJ Perenara replaced by Ricky Riccitelli and Richard Judd respectively.

Beauden Barrett will take up the captaincy in Coles' absence.

Ben Lam will step into the right-wing position, where Jordie Barrett started in last week's win over the Chiefs.

Head coach John Plumtree said he had no plans to play Barrett in the midfield but injuries to the likes of potential candidates Vince Aso had forced his hand.

"Jordie's been fantastic for us," said head coach John Plumtree. "He's looking forward to it.

"At 12 he's going to get more possession and more opportunity to show his skillset. He's certainly physical enough to play in that position."

In the forward pack, Ardie Savea will shift across to the number seven jersey to spell promising openside flanker DuPlessis Kirifi, who's been a revelation so far this season.

"His body is getting bashed around every week and we have a couple of big games coming up after this as well, so I just wanted to freshen him up."

Reed Prinsep slides into number eight, with Sam Henwood set to make an impact off the bench.

The Hurricanes will be looking to get back in the win column before they face the rampaging Crusaders, then begin the arduous trek to South Africa the following week.

The Stormers are fresh off a comprehensive win over the Jaguares and Plumtree believes they will be playing with plenty of confidence, identifying their powerful pack as a considerable threat.

"They’ve got some fast backs and they’ve got some experience as well amongst all of that with good leaders.

"This is a very strong Stormers side. It's going to be a tough challenge."

Hurricanes: 1-Fraser Armstrong, 2-Ricky Riccitelli, 3-Ben May, 4-James Blackwell, 5-Liam Mitchell, 6-Vaea Fifita, 7-Ardie Savea, 8-Reed Prinsep, 9-Richard Judd, 10-Beauden Barrett (c), 11-Ben Lam, 12-Jordie Barrett, 13-Matt Proctor, 14-Wes Goosen, 15-Chase Tiatia

Reserves: 16-James o'Reilly, 17-Xavier Numia, 18-Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, 19-Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20-Sam Henwood, 21-Finlay Christie, 22-Fletcher Smith, 23-Danny Toala

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