21 Feb 2013

Franks to debut for Hurricanes

5:59 am on 21 February 2013

The All Black prop Ben Franks will make his debut for the Huricanes after being named to start a loosehead prop for their opening Super Rugby match against the Blues in Wellington on Saturday night.

He joins Dane Coles and Ben May in the front row.

Brad Shield starts at number eight, despite having just a half an hour of pre-season rugby under his belt since suffering a knee injury last year.

Alapati Leiua steps into the right wing spot with Cory Jane out for the season.

On the bench will be three possible new caps, with Ash Dixon the back-up hooker, James Marshall in as utility back, and Reynold Lee-Lo a midfield option.