19 Feb 2015

Nonu back for Hurricanes

11:12 am on 19 February 2015

The Hurricanes have named a largely unchanged side to face the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday morning as the Hurricanes look to make it two wins from their first two games in 2015.

Ma'a Nonu playing for the Hurricanes

Ma'a Nonu playing for the Hurricanes Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Hurricanes welcome the return of All Black midfielder Ma'a Nonu to their starting line-up in what will be his 145th Super Rugby appearance, and first for the Hurricanes since 2011.

The match in Pretoria, kicking off at 6.10am (NZT) will also be a significant occasion for Manawatu flanker Callum Gibbins, who is set to get his first start for the Hurricanes.

He replaces Ardie Savea in the number 7 jersey with Savea now in the reserves.

Head-to-head, this will be the 19th time the Hurricanes and the Bulls have met on the Super Rugby field, with both teams winning nine matches each.

Hurricanes:

1. Reggie Goodes

2. Dane Coles

3. Ben Franks

4. Mark Abbott

5. James Broadhurst

6. Brad Shields

7. Callum Gibbins

8. Blade Thomson

9. TJ Perenara

10. Beauden Barrett

11. Julian Savea

12. Ma'a Nonu

13. Conrad Smith

14. Cory Jane

15. Jason Woodward

Reserves

16. Brayden Mitchell

17. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen

18. Chris Eves

19. Ardie Savea

20. Victor Vito

21. Chris Smylie

22. James Marshall

23. Matt Proctor

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