Barrett set to reach milestone against Crusaders

Beauden Barrett is set to become the 12th player in franchise history to notch 100 caps for the Hurricanes.

Barrett will reach the milestone against the Crusaders on Saturday as the Hurricanes play their home opener at Westpac Stadium.

The 26-year-old All Black will join Dane Coles, Andrew Hore, Cory Jane, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Conrad Smith, Rodney So'oialo, Jeremy Thrush, Neemia Tialata, Tana Umaga and Victor Vito as a Hurricanes centurion.

Prop Ben May - who escaped further sanction after a late hit and yellow card against the Jaguares last week - will also bring up his 100th Super Rugby cap, putting together the century after previous stints with the Crusaders and Chiefs.

Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd has named an unchanged starting side from last week, but has shuffled the bench.

There are three potential Hurricanes debutantes on the bench, including two-game All Black Asafo Aumua, former Blues and Maori All Blacks prop Marcel Renata and Bay of Plenty halfback Richard Judd.

Ihaia West returns to the side in the No 22 jersey after a week off.

HURRICANES

1. Chris Eves, 2. Ricky Riccitelli, 3. Ben May, 4. Vaea Fifita, 5. Sam Lousi, 6. Brad Shield (C), 7. Ardie Savea, 8. Gareth Evans, 9. TJ Perenara, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Ben Lam, 12. Ngani Laumape, 13. Matt Proctor, 14. Julian Savea, 15. Jordie Barrett.

Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. Fraser Armstrong, 18. Marcel Renata, 19. Michael Fatialofa, 20. Blade Thomson, 21. Richard Judd, 22. Ihaia West, 23. Vince Aso.