Rugby: Family first for Ma'a Nonu

Ma'a Nonu will miss the Hurricanes first Super Rugby game of the season against the Lions in South Africa. Photo / Getty Images.

Hurricanes second-five Ma'a Nonu will miss his side's first Super Rugby game of the season against the Lions in Johannesburg on February 14.

The Hurricanes leave for South Africa this weekend after meeting Blues in their final pre-season game tomorrow. Nonu will join the team on February 12 as he awaits the birth of his third child.

The All Black has enjoyed a good pre-season after breaking his arm during a test match against South Africa in the capital in September but won't play against the Blues either.

Rey Lee-Lo seems the likely replacement for Nonu in the game against the Lions and Nonu could come in to contention for selection for the outing against the Bulls in Pretoria the following week. The Hurricanes then meet the Western Force in Perth on their way home in round three.

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd has named a handful of All Blacks in his side to meet the Blues, including Jeremy Thrush, Cory Jane and TJ Perenara.

Returning prop Ben May, who has replaced John Schwalger (blood clots) in the squad, will also get a run from the bench.

Regulars Dane Coles, Conrad Smith, Ben Franks, Victor Vito, Beauden Barrett, Julian Savea, Motu Matu'u and Chris Smylie will also travel to Auckland, but will not play against the Blues. Following tomorrow's match, a squad of 27 will be named to travel to South Africa.

Hurricanes team to meet the Blues: Nehe Milner-Skudder, Cory Jane, Matt Proctor, Rey Lee-Lo, Jason Woodward, James Marshall, TJ Perenara, Blade Thomson, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, James Broadhurst, Jeremy Thrush, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Brayden Mitchell, Reggie Goodes. Reserves: Leni Apisai, Chris Eves, Ben May, Geoff Cridge, Vaea Fifita, Mark Abbott, Callum Gibbins, Frae Wilson, Otere Black, Vince Aso.