Boyd expects Savea reaction

Cape Town - Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd has revealed that Julian Savea is "pretty grumpy" after he was dropped to the bench for this week's game.

Savea will wear jersey 23 for Saturday's match against the Sharks in Wellington in a surprise decision from 2015's losing Super Rugby finalists.

Jason Woodward will instead start on the wing with Boyd also naming Matt Proctor at outside centre as they look to progress to the semis.

"We've picked the best side for this week and at the end of the day the team's been picked on form," he told ONE News about his line-up.

Boyd added that Savea was unhappy at being left out of the XV but he hopes the All Black uses his frustration to good effect on Saturday.

"He's pretty grumpy, but I'd be disappointed if he wasn't. I'd expect him to come on and make a statement when it's his turn," he revealed.

Teams:

Hurricanes

15 James Marshall, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Willis Halaholo, 11 Jason Woodward, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Brad Shields, 5 Michael Fatialofa, 4 Vaea Fifita, 3 Ben May, 2 Dane Coles (captain), 1 Loni Uhila

Substitutes: 16 Ricky Riccitelli, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Mike Kainga, 19 Mark Abbott, 20 Callum Gibbins, 21 Jamison Gibson-Park, 22 Vince Aso, 23 Julian Savea

Sharks

15 Willie le Roux, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Paul Jordaan, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10. Garth April, 9 Michael Claassens, 8 Philip van der Walt, 7 Jean-Luc du Preez, 6 Keegan Daniel, 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Coenie Oosthuizen, 2 Franco Marais, 1 Tendai Mtawarira (captain)
 
Substitutes: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Dale Chadwick, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Tera Mtembu, 21 Stefan Ungerer, 22 Curwin Bosch, 23 Odwa Ndungane