Dane Coles has been named in the Hurricanes’ starting line-up for the first time this year, as the team gets set to take on the Chiefs in Hamilton.

It means Friday’s game will also be the first time the co-captaincy between Coles and TJ Perenara will formally come into effect.

The Wellington-based Super Rugby squad is looking to bounce back, after a tough loss at home against the Blues last Saturday.

With Tyrel Lomax suspended for three weeks, Ben May, comes into the fold as tighthead prop.

There are a few other changes up front with Fraser Armstrong replacing Xavier Numia, who’s recovering from a head knock.  James Blackwell makes his way back into the starting XV whilst Devan Flanders is promoted to the number 6 jersey.

Meanwhile, Coles’ return will mean Asafo Aumua will start the game on the bench.

Head coach, Jason Holland, says there’s plenty of competition for the number 2 jersey.

“Colesy wants to put his hand up and grab that role. We’ve got three awesome boys fighting for a chance to start, so they’re all aware they need to take the chance when its given and play well.”

There’s been no changes made to the backline this week, with Fletcher Smith, Ben Lam, Ngani Laumape, Vince Aso, Kobus Van Wyk and Jordie Barrett all included.

Holland says the team’s been focussing on its accuracy ahead of what will be another tough derby.

“We weren’t accurate enough to take opportunities and territory we were gaining in first 30-minutes against the Blues. We’re working hard at fixing that that this week, especially as this Chiefs side will be looking to capitalise on that.”

The Hurricanes haven’t played the Chiefs since their 47 – 19 win in Wellington last April.

The Hurricanes team to take on the Chiefs this Friday is:

15           Jordie Barrett

14           Kobus Van Wyk

13           Vince Aso

12           Ngani Laumape

11           Ben Lam

10           Fletcher Smith

9              TJ Perenara [CC]

8              Gareth Evans

7              Du’Plessis Kirifi

6              Devan Flanders

5              Isaia Walker-Leawere

4              James Blackwell

3              Ben May

2              Dane Coles [CC]

1              Fraser Armstrong

Reserves

16           Asafo Aumua

17           Pouri Rakete-Stones

18           Alex Fidow

19           Scott Scrafton

20           Vaea Fifita

21           Jamie Booth

22           Billy Proctor

23           Wes Goosen