Mum Robyn wondered if it had been timely.

Calling 2017 a big year for Jordie Barrett probably doesn't do it justice.

After blowing out the candles on his 20th birthday cake - on the touchline at the Waverley Rugby Club following the Hurricanes' pre-season game against the Crusaders - the fullback went on to play a starring role in Super Rugby, before test appearances for New Zealand against Samoa and the British and Irish Lions.

Pretty much whatever could go right, did go right; right up until he busted his shoulder in July's Super Rugby semifinal loss to the Lions.

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If nothing else, it probably gave Barrett a chance to catch his breath

'"Mum said to me, it could be a blessing in disguise, and hopefully it's worked out to be that way. It gave me some time off and I was able experience some more time at home and I was able to go down and complete two papers at summer school at Lincoln Uni," Barrett said ahead of his return to the Super stage.

"In a way I hope it's a blessing and given me time away from the game to think about it, refresh mentally and hopefully recharge for this year."

Barrett got some minutes for the Hurricanes Development team last weekend, before flying to Buenos Aires to join the top team for Sunday's (NZ time) clash with the Jaguares.

It's a week ahead of the schedule the Hurricanes had set and indicative of the hard work Barrett's done to get back on the park.

He'd never suffered a serious injury before, so managing the pain and adapting to life without the use of a limb had its challenges. Feeling better and gaining a better range of movement then meant plenty of pangs about not playing.

When you've been out as long as Barrett, the trap when you come back is to go nuts. Just as well there's a wise head on those newly-healed shoulders.

"The messages I've been getting are just to play a normal game, but my own conscience says don't try too hard and try and do a lot of things," said Barrett.

"Just try and settle back and get in the groove as easy as possible, because there's 14 other guys out there that can play quality rugby. So I'm not going to try and overplay my hand, that's for sure."

Jordie's not the only Barrett back in the Hurricanes' starting XV. Brother Beauden will wear the 10 jumper, having come off the bench and played fullback in Sunday's loss to the Bulls.

Had wing Wes Goosen's ankle injury - which might keep him out three to four weeks - not necessitated Jordie Barrett's arrival, Beauden probably would've started at fullback this week.

Ihaia West was set to stay at first five-eighth, but has instead dropped right out of the 23. Jackson Garden-Bachop is the back-up No,10, Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said, because of his ability to cover second five-eighth and fullback as well.

The other backline change was well-signposted and sees Matt Proctor go from fullback to centre. Vince Aso goes to the bench, partly due to his ability to cover wing and midfield, but also because he's susceptible to muscle cramps at this time of year.

Chris Eves comes in at loosehead prop for the injured Toby Smith, in the only change to last week's starting pack.