Jordie Barrett has shifted to the midfield for the Hurricanes Super Rugby derby against the Highlanders.
Coming off a comprehensive loss at the hands of the Crusaders, coach John Plumtree hasn't pushed the panic button, deciding against wholesale changes.
Barrett's been named at centre for the all-New Zealand clash, with Matt Proctor shifting to the bench, meaning a 30th Hurricanes appearance for winger Wes Goosen.
The impressive Kane Le'aupepe has earned a start at lock after standing out in a short appearance off the bench against the Crusaders in his debut.
The bench stays largely the same with the exception being the reserve halfback's spot with Finlay Christie replacing Richard Judd.
TJ Perenara retains the captaincy with Dane Coles ruled out for a second week with a minor calf injury.
"While we were disappointed with the result against the Crusaders the coaching group still found some positives in how we played, especially the way we performed up front," Plumtree said.
"The challenge for us now is to get the rest of our game to where it needs to be against what will be a really motivated Highlanders team who will be desperate to play well in front of their home fans."
Hurricanes: 1-Fraser Armstrong, 2-Ricky Riccitelli, 3-Ben May, 4-James Blackwell, 5-Kane Le'aupepe, 6-Vaea Fifita, 7-Ardie Savea, 8-Reed Prinsep, 9-TJ Perenara (c), 10-Beauden Barrett, 11-Ben Lam, 12-Ngani Laumape, 13-Jordie Barrett, 14-Wes Goosen, 15-Chase Tiatia
Reserves: 16-Asafo Aumua, 17-Chris Eves, 18-Jeff To'omaga-Allen, 19-Liam Mitchell, 20-Isaia Walker-Leawere, 21-Du'Plessis Kirifi, 22-Finlay Christie, 23-Matt Proctor
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Join us at 7:30pm Friday for live updates of the Highlanders vs Hurricanes Super Rugby clash.
