The Hurricanes fullback Nehe Milner-Skudder will miss the club's opening Super Rugby game in Japan this weekend because of injury.
All Black Nehe Milner-Skudder. Photo: RNZ Barry Guy
Milner-Skudder injured his hamstring playing against the Crusaders in their final pre-season game last weekend and didn't make the trip to play the Sunwolves in Tokyo.
Also missing is prop Loni Uhila who has a calf injury.
Coach Chris Boyd's 25-man touring squad includes all four of the Hurricanes 2016 All Blacks with captain and hooker Dane Coles, openside Ardie Savea, wing Julian Savea and star first five Beauden Barrett all on the plane to Japan.
Four uncapped Hurricanes have made the trip in utility back Jordie Barrett, loose forward Reed Prinsep, lock James Blackwell, and hooker James O'Reilly.
Boyd will name his match day 23 to play the Sunwolves on Thursday.
The Hurricanes 25-man touring squad for Japan is: Ardie Savea, Beauden Barrett, Ben May, Blade Thomson, Brad Shields, Callum Gibbins, Chris Eves, Chris Smylie, Cory Jane, Dane Coles, James Blackwell, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Jordie Barrett, Julian Savea, James O'Reilly, Matt Proctor, Michael Fatialofa, Mike Kainga, Wes Goosen, Ngani Laumape, Otere Black, Reed Prinsep, Ricky Riccitelli, TJ Perenara, Vince Aso.
