Brad Shields set for 100th appearance in Super Rugby

Hurricanes captain Brad Shields is set to make his 100th appearance in Super Rugby when he lines up against Blues at Eden Park on Saturday.

The 27-year-old missed the previous week game against Brumbies after his return from England's tour of South Africa and now is on track to become the 14th member from Hurricanes to reach the milestone after Tana Umaga, Rodney So’oialo, Ma’a Nonu, Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata, Conrad Smith, Jeremy Thrush, Cory Jane, Victor Vito, Julian Savea, Dane Coles, Beauden Barrett and TJ Perenara.

Shields' return is among the six changes made by head coach Chris Boyd from last weekend's defeat against Brumbies.

Fly-half Beauden Barrett returns from recovering from a head injury while his brother Jordie moves to fullback and Wes Goosen taking his place at centre after being on the bench in the previous game.

Nehe Milner-Skudder is shifted from fullback to right wing while Julian Savea takes the position at left wing.

There are also returns for lock Vaea Fifita, prop Ben May and Blade Thomson as Hurricanes look to arrest their three-game losing streak.

Hurricanes line-up: Jordie Barrett, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Wes Goosen, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Blade Thomson, Sam Henwood, Brad Shields (c), Sam Lousi, Vaea Fifita, Ben May, Ricky Riccitelli, Toby Smith

Replacements: James O’Reilly, Fraser Armstrong, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Michael Fatialofa, Gareth Evans, Jamie Booth, Ihaia West, Ben Lam