Scrumhalf Jamie Booth will make his first start of the Aotearoa campaign when the Hurricanes take on the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.

SARugbymag.co.za understands that this match is likely to go ahead, but will be played behind closed doors after New Zealand was hit with a coronavirus outbreak scare this week.

Regular first-choice No 9, TJ Perenara, will remain at home in Wellington as he and wife Greer await the birth of their first child.

Meanwhile, centre Billy Proctor also earns his first start of the Aotearoa competition, with Peter Umaga-Jensen shifting to centre, while Vince Aso starts on the right wing.

South Africa-born Kobus van Wyk was not considered for selection due to a calf injury niggle, while he is also still waiting to hear the outcome of a disciplinary hearing for foul play.

Hurricanes – 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Vince Aso, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 11 Wes Goosen, 10 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 9 Jamie Booth, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 6 Reed Prinsep, 5 Scott Scrafton, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Dane Coles (c), 1 Ben May.
Subs: 16 Ricky Riccitelli, 17 Tevita Mafileo, 18 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 19 Liam Mitchell, 20 Devan Flanders, 21 Jonathan Taumateine, 22 Salesi Rayasi, 23 Chase Tiatia.

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