16 Apr 2015

Thrush to become centurion

1:22 pm on 16 April 2015

The All Black lock Jeremy Thrush will play his 100th game for the Hurricanes on Saturday when the Super Rugby leaders host the Waratahs in Wellington.

Thrush played the Waratahs in his debut match seven years and 61 days ago.

All Blacks and Hurricanes lock Jeremy Thrush

All Blacks and Hurricanes lock Jeremy Thrush Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The lock, who will also celebrate his 30th birthday on Sunday, has contributed 45 points during his time in black and yellow, and will become the seventh Hurricane to reach the milestone.

First five-eighth Beauden Barrett is also edging closer to becoming the top Hurricanes point scorer of all time, needing just 10 points to break the record set by David Holwell in 2006, of 676 points.

Coach Chris Boyd has named a similar starting side to that which faced the Stormers two weeks ago, with the inclusion of Ardie Savea who returns from a finger injury.

Injury has ruled out Victor Vito and Chris Smylie (both calves), while Blade Thomson (concussion), and Dane Coles (elbow) also remain unavailable.

The Hurricanes are unbeaten this season with seven wins from seven games and sit at the top of the overall standings, three points clear of the Chiefs.

The team to face the Waratahs at Westpac Stadium, kick-off 4.30pm is;

1. Reggies Goodes

2. Motu Matu'u

3. Ben Franks

4. Jeremy Thrush

5. James Broadhurst

6. Callum Gibbins

7. Ardie Savea

8. Brad Shields

9. TJ Perenara

10. Beauden Barrett

11. Julian Savea

12. Ma'a Nonu

13. Conrad Smith (c)

14. Cory Jane

15. Nehe Milner-Skudder

Reserves

16. Brayden Mitchell

17. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen

18. Chris Eves

19. Mark Abbott

20. Adam Hill

21. Frae Wilson

22. Rey Lee-Lo

23. James Marshall