Rugby: Franks returns for Hurricanes

Ben Franks.
Ben Franks.
Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett has named an almost identical team to that which beat the Blues 39-20 last week for Friday's Super Rugby home match against the Queensland Reds.

Prop Ben Franks returns after missing the Blues match with a groin injury in the only change to Hammett's starting 15.

Fullback Andre Taylor will bring up 50 matches for the Hurricanes, and says it's an achievement he can't wait to celebrate.

"This is a special milestone for me, and it's actually one I never thought I'd reach," he said.

The Hurricanes have finally found form, winning their last three games on end to sit third in the New Zealand conference and seventh overall.

The Reds are coming off a bye, having won three of their eight matches to lie 12th in the overall standings.

Their track record in Wellington isn't great, with two wins to their credit, the last in 1998.

Hurricanes: Andre Taylor, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith (captain), Alapati Leiua, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Jack Lam, Faifili Levave, James Broadhurst, Jeremy Thrush, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Dane Coles, Ben Franks. Reserves: Motu Matu'u, Chris Eves, Reggie Goodes, Blade Thomson, Ardie Savea, Chris Smylie, Tim Bateman, Matt Proctor.

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