All Blacks boost as Milner-Skudder, Barrett to make Hurricanes return

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen's headache over injuries to his players were reduced a bit on Thursday with flyhalf Beauden Barrett and utility back Nehe Milner-Skudder were named by the Wellington Hurricanes to face the Western Force on Saturday.

Milner-Skudder will return to the bench from a lengthy injury lay-off since mid-March, while Barrett will start for the Hurricanes after being cleared of concussion following a head knock which caused him to miss last week's victory against the Northern Bulls in South Africa.

"It's great to have Nehe back in the mix," Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said.

"I know he has worked extremely hard during his rehab and he can't wait to pull on the Hurricanes jersey and get back into the campaign."

The Hurricanes are presently second in the New Zealand Conference table with 48 points, while the Force have 17 points and are unlikely to make the playoffs.

Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Cory Jane, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara (c), Brad Shields, Callum Gibbins, Reed Prinsep, Vaea Fifita, Sam Lousi, Ben May, Ricky Riccitelli, Loni Uhila

Reserves: Leni Apisai, Chris Eves, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Mark Abbott, Ardie Savea, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Otere Black, Nehe Milner-Skudder