Shields to captain the Hurricanes for the first time

Brad Shields will captain the Hurricanes for the first time when he leads them out against the Brumbies on Friday night.

With Dane Coles still absent injured and halfback TJ Perenara getting a breather on the bench, Shields steps up for leadership duties in his 76th Super Rugby appearance.

Perenara's absence sees Te Toira Tahuriorangi get his first Super Rugby start following three appearances off the bench.

Ben Lam, who has been capped seven times with the Blues, is poised to make his Hurricanes debut after being named in the reserves while Cory Jane comes back into the team on the right wing for Wes Goosen.

The Hurricanes will take on the Brumbies at 7.35pm this Friday.

HURRICANES: Jordie Barrett, Cory Jane, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi; Blade Thomson, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields (c), Vaea Fifita, Mark Abbott, Jeffery To'omaga‑Allen, Ricky Riccitelli, Ben May. Reserves: Leni Apisai, Chris Eves, Mike Kainga, James Blackwell, Callum Gibbins, TJ Perenara, Otere Black, Ben Lam.