25 Jun 2017

Savea to start for Canes

12:24 pm on 25 June 2017

Dumped All Black winger Julian Savea has been released by coach Steve Hansen to play for the Hurricanes in Tuesday's clash with the British and Irish Lions in Wellington.

Julian Savea

Julian Savea Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Savea, along with Jordie Barrett, Ngani Laumape and Vaea Fifita will start for the Hurricanes in the final midweek fixture of the tour.

Loose forward Brad Shields will captain the Hurricanes.

Savea has been named on the left wing where he has started 12 of the Hurricanes 14 matches in 2017, while Barrett will wear the No.15 jersey for the 12th time in his first season of Investec Super Rugby.

Laumape will take his place at second five where he has scored 14 tries and combine centre Vince Aso, who has also scored 14 tries - a single season Hurricanes record.

The defending Investec Super Rugby champion's starting team also includes four Maori All Blacks in right wing Nehe Milner-Skudder, first five Otere Black, halfback Te Toirora-Tahuriorangi and prop Ben May.

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said he was pleased to have some of his All Blacks contingent back for the match.

"We are under no illusions as to the challenge The British & Irish Lions will present and we want to put our best foot forward for what promises to be a memorable occasion.

"It's a fantastic event for our club, but also for the city of Wellington and the region, so hopefully the match will live up to its billing. We are looking forward to kick off."

The match against The British & Irish Lions will be the first time the Hurricanes have played an international opponent.

It will also be the third time Boyd and his assistant John Plumtree have coached against The British & Irish Lions after teaming up to guide the Wellington Lions in 2005 and the Sharks in 2009.

-RNZ