Rugby: Return of Beauden Barrett, Dane Coles boost Hurricanes against Brumbies

Beauden Barrett's inclusion is the only change to the Hurricanes XV. Photo/photosport

First five-eighth Beauden Barrett and hooker Dane Coles return to boost the Hurricanes for their Super Rugby quarter-final clash against the Brumbies in Canberra on Friday.

Barrett's return after missing the final match of the regular season against the Crusaders with a sinus infection is the only change to the starting 15.

Barrett's replacement against the Crusaders, Otere Black, moves to the reserves, but the rest of the Hurricanes backline remains unchanged.

Jordie Barrett will again start at centre, with Vince Aso ruled out for a second match, due to a groin strain.

Coles hasn't played since suffering a concussion against the Highlanders on March 18, and will make his return via the reserves bench.

Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd says his squad are preparing for a tough battle in Canberra, despite their 56-21 victory over the Brumbies in Napier in round nine.

"The Brumbies are a quality side and we're not reading anything into their results this season. They have a proven record in Super Rugby over a long period and will be hard to beat at home," he said.

The Brumbies finished the 2017 regular season as the Australian conference champions with a record of six wins and nine losses.

Overall, the Hurricanes have played the Brumbies 23 times in Super Rugby, for 10 wins and 13 losses.

The Brumbies hold an 8-4 advantage at GIO Stadium.

Hurricanes: Nehe Milner-Skudder, Wes Goosen, Jordie Barrett, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara (captain), Brad Shields, Ardie Savea, Vaea Fifita, Sam Lousi, Mark Abbott, Jeff To'omaga-Allen, Ricky Riccitelli, Ben May. Reserves: Dane Coles, Chris Eves, Loni Uhila, Reed Prinsep, Callum Gibbins, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Otere Black, Cory Jane.