Barrett set to miss Hurricanes opener

The Hurricanes have left Asafo Aumua out of their touring squad to South Africa and Argentina, while Beauden Barrett is expected to arrive in Pretoria late as he has two weddings to attend this weekend.

Off-season recruit Ihaia West looks likely to lead the Hurricanes around the park in their first Super Rugby match next week.

The World Rugby player of the year hasn't played in pre-season and coach Chris Boyd says he will either come off the bench against the Bulls or not play at all.

"[Barrett] hasn't played any pre-season minutes so he'll come off the bench, probably. In Pretoria, we may yet choose to make that one of his All Black rest weeks."

The Hurricanes play the Jaguares in Argentina the following week. Boyd says Jackson Garden-Bachop is another option, but he's known West since he was a youngster.

"I've been watching him play since he under-16s really, so I think with some optimistic support around him, I'm picking Ihaia's going to do a good job for us this year."

Boyd says they'll mull over whether to include Barrett for their campaign opener against the Bulls next weekend.

The 'Canes wrapped pre-season with victory over the Blues 26-14 in Warkworth, while the Highlanders beat the Crusaders 42-26 in Waimumu, near Gore.