TJ Perenara returns as Hurricanes captain ahead of Stormers clash

New Zealand international TJ Perenara has reclaimed his captaincy with Hurricanes ahead of the Super Rugby clash against Stormers at Westpac Stadium on Friday.

The 22-year-old was moved to the bench during the clash against Brumbies at McLean Park which the defending champions went on to win 56-21. In the absence of the scrum-half, flanker Brad Shields led the team against Brumbies.

Perenara will take the place of Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi in the starting XV and is one of the two changes made by the Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd with the other change being the return of Callum Gibbins at openside flanker.

Gibbins has taken the place of Blade Thomson, who is sidelined with a dislocated shoulder forcing Ardie Savea to switch to number eight.

Hurricanes are positioned third in New Zealand Conference after they managed to win seven out of the eight games this season.

Hurricanes match-day 23 for clash against Stormers:

15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Vince Aso, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara (captain), 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Callum Gibbins, 6 Brad Shields, 5 Vaea Fifita, 4 Mark Abbott, 3 Jeffery To'omaga-Allen, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Ben May

Substitutes: 16 Leni Apisai, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Mike Kainga, 19 James Blackwell, 20 Reed Prinsep, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Otere Black, 23 Ben Lam