Rugby: Barrett to return on Friday

Beauden Barrett is set to return against the Highlanders this Friday. Photo / Getty Images

Hurricanes first-five Beauden Barrett will return to Super Rugby against the Highlanders on Friday night but is unlikely to kick goals.

Barrett has recovered from a knee problem, which has kept him out for the past month, but he declared himself fit to play today with one disclaimer.

"I feel comfortable to do my job as a 10 but not really the goal-kicking," Barrett said.

"Because of the nature of the injury, it's an MCL, it's that side-on lateral movement [that is a problem]. So that's the last thing [required] to say that I'm 100 per cent to be a goal-kicking first-five."

Despite not taking the kicking tee, Barrett said he felt confident of getting through 80 minutes in a game where the Hurricanes could book home advantage for the playoffs with a victory, or two losing bonus points.

"I wouldn't be out there if I didn't feel up to it," he said.

Halfback TJ Perenara or fullback James Marshall are the likely candidates to take over the goal-kicking this week.

Barrett has diligently completed his rehabilitation, which included riding a stationary bike, while he regained strength in his knee.

"It was new territory for me. I'd never really done an injury that had kept me out this long so I just kept trusting the physio team that we have here and worked really hard. So I was confident that I could get back."

Barrett's return is good news for young gun Otere Black who has left for Italy to join the New Zealand under-20s for their world championship tilt.

"He's played really well for us and that under-20 tournament is a huge deal for a young player coming through," Barrett said.

The Hurricanes have two games left in the regular season and will also meet the Chiefs in New Plymouth next weekend before they can entertain their playoff aspirations.

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd has decided to rest second-five Ma'a Nonu this week, which will be his final mandatory break for the season. Rey Lee-Lo will partner Conrad Smith in the midfield.

Boyd was due to confirm his reserves tonight as he said they were still juggling the fitness of players like outside back Cory Jane who has been limited with a hamstring problem of late. They've taken an extended squad to Napier to cover their options.

One man who will start is lock James Broadhurst who has moved in to the World Cup conversation for the All Blacks following the news of Patrick Tuipulotu's season-ending injury this week.

"He's a good lineout forward and he's a good scrummager but he just needs to add some brutality to his defence like he has in his carry and he'll be pretty close to the complete footballer," Boyd said. "So he's had a good season."

The Highlanders have said they would rest All Blacks Aaron Smith, Ben Smith and Malakai Fekitoa this week but Boyd said that only provided an opportunity for other players to perform.

Jamie Joseph's Highlanders have confirmed a playoff spot of their own and remain an outside chance to top the New Zealand conference but would likely need a bonus-point win on Friday.

Hurricanes: James Marshall, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Conrad Smith (c), Rey Lee-Lo, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Ardie Savea, Blade Thomson, James Broadhurst, Jeremy Thrush, Ben Franks, Dane Coles, Reggie Goodes.

Reserves: TBC.