Captain Conrad Smith has recovered from injury and will lead the Hurricanes in their Super Rugby clash against the Southern Kings in Wellington on Saturday.

The All Blacks centre was in doubt as he worked to overcome a bruised heel, but Hurricanes assistant coach Alama Ieremia says Smith came through Thursday training well and will lead the team at Westpac Stadium.

In-form halfback TJ Perenara, suffering from a calf strain, also ran well and will start on Saturday.

While the Kings look to recover from last week’s 55-20 thumping by the Crusaders, the Hurricanes are keen to kick on after recording narrow wins over the Crusaders and Highlanders before sitting out the bye.

Hooker Dane Coles returns to the starting line-up after two weeks out with an ankle strain and Andre Taylor reclaims the fullback jersey after impressing off the bench against the Highlanders.

Reserve hooker Motu Matu’u is still troubled by a shoulder injury, prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen has a sternum injury and loose forward Blade Thomson is out with a sprained ankle.

Ieremia says flanker Ardie Savea, who missed the Hurricanes’ opening matches while serving a four-week ban for a pre-season dangerous tackle, was close to his Super Rugby return.

“He’s had some good games in the development team, but we feel he needs to get some more game time under his belt – he’s heading in the right direction.”