Wellington - Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd has named his squad to tour South Africa, following the team’s 32-29 pre-season loss to the Blues on Friday.
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The Hurricanes face the Lions in Johannesburg in Round 1 of the 2015 Super Rugby season, before travelling to Pretoria to play the Bulls on February 21.
All Black centre Ma'a Nonu was not included in the squad. because his wife is due to give birth.
Nonu will only join his team-mates in South Africa on Thursday, February 12 - a day ahead of their clash against the Lions (Friday, February 13 at 19:10).
Nonu, 32, and his wife Andrea already have two sons, Mercury and Michael, and Nonu will put family ahead of rugby before beginning his playing duties.
Nonu is expected to be selected for the 'Canes second tour match in South Africa, against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Friday, February 20 at 19:10.
The squad will leave for Johannesburg on Saturday morning (New Zealand time).
Hurricanes squad for SA tour:
Ardie Savea, Beauden Barrett, Ben Franks, Ben May, Blade Thomson, Brad Shields, Brayden Mitchell, Callum Gibbins, Chris Eves, Chris Smylie, Conrad Smith, Cory Jane, Dane Coles, James Broadhurst, James Marshall, Jason Woodward, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Jeremy Thrush, Julian Savea, Mark Abbott, Matt Proctor, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Reggie Goodes, Rey Lee-Lo, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Vince Aso