An opportunity to press their claims for Investec Super Rugby game time has again been stressed to members of the Hurricanes Development side as they prepare to meet Japan A at the Levin Domain on Thursday night.

A number of the Hurricanes squad have been included in the starting XV that also features players who have been drafted in as injury cover.

There will be a welcome return to play for Hurricanes loose forward Blade Thomson who has been sidelined for several weeks while prop Fraser Armstrong will welcome a starting spot.

There is experience in the halves pairing with Richard Judd teaming up with Ihaia West while Peter Umaga-Jensen will play outside the pair .

Hurricanes Development coach Darren Larsen said the message had been stressed to the squad about the importance of taking their opportunity and performing against a Japan A side who were unbeaten in the two matches they had played in New Zealand to date.

Kick-off at Levin is 5.30pm.

15 JJ Taulagi
14 Losi Filipo
13 Sasa Tofilau
12 Peter Umaga-Jensen
11 Mason Emerson
10 Ihaia West
9 Richard Judd
8 Blade Thomson
7 Sam Henwood or Aaron Lahmert
6 Josh Kaifa
5 Liam Mitchell
4 Sam Uluafouna
3 TBC
2 Nathan Vella
1 Fraser Armstrong

Reserves

16 Tim Cadwallader
17 Scott Cameron
18 Sean Rankin
19 Ryan Shelford
20 Patrick Allen
21 Brice Henderson
22 Lindsay Horrocks
23 John Ika
24 James Tofa
25 Willie Paia'aua