Rugby: Milner-Skudder enjoying the comforts of home

Nehe Milner-Scudder of the Hurricanes. Photo / Getty Images.

When Manawatu's Nehe Milner-Skudder was told he would be starting for the Hurricanes this week he knew who to speak to.

The fullback sent a text message to his mum to make sure she could produce some home cooking for him as he and the Hurricanes arrived in Palmerston North last night to prepare for tomorrow's outing against the Blues.

"Spag bol's usually a bit of a hit at home," he said with a grin.

Tomorrow's game, to be played at FMG Stadium or 'The Boneyard' as it is known among the Manawatu faithful, shapes as a crucial one for Milner-Skudder, who is part of a three-way dance to lock up the custodian's role at the Hurricanes.

Jason Woodward has had a turn, while James Marshall's utility value usually forces him to the bench given he can cover first-five too but he is also an option.

Matt Proctor, who will feature on the wing tomorrow in place of the rested Cory Jane, would probably also like a crack but he has proven to be adept on the flank in the past.

Milner-Skudder made his Super Rugby debut off the bench against the Force two weeks ago but will pull on the No 15 jersey in familiar surroundings tomorrow.

"Obviously pretty happy to be in the mix this week," Milner-Skudder said. "And, [there's] no better place than back home at the Boneyard."

Milner-Skudder has progressed quickly since returning to rugby in 2011 following a stint across the Tasman playing league for the Bulldogs under-20s side in the National Youth Competition from 2009-2010.

A former representative touch player, the Taihape-born 24-year-old was educated at Queen Elizabeth College in Palmerston North and collected two caps for the Maori All Blacks last year.

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd was impressed with Milner-Skudder's development during the pre-season after he spent last year as a wider training group member in the capital.

"He had a fantastic ITM Cup for Manawatu and showed some really good form," Boyd said. "He's an exceptional athlete; very quick, very agile. [He] is an optimistic player and I'm looking forward to seeing him go on his home patch."

It was interesting that Boyd chose to describe him as "optimistic" but Milner-Skudder does like to have a go from the back, which flies in the face of the 2015 Hurricanes who are more disciplined in their red zone.

Clearing the ball and working their exit strategies has been an improved feature of their play lately as they've progressed to three wins from as many games and Milner-Skudder may need to curb his instincts tomorrow.

"You still want to play what's in front of you," he said. "We've been pretty good on the 'risk and reward' theory of playing."

Tomorrow's game has a touch of nostalgia attached given the Hurricanes hosted the Blues in Palmerston North in the first Super Rugby game of the professional era on March 1, 1996. For the record, the Blues won 36-28.