Former All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu is playing down expectations of an eye-catching display ahead of his Super Rugby return for the Hurricanes on Friday night.

Weepu has been out of top-level rugby since he broke his leg in a national provincial championship game last October and will ease his way back into action off the bench in the Hurricanes' clash with the Highlanders in Invercargill.

"I'm not expecting wonders from the beginning, but I'll just try and contribute to the team," said the 44-Test All Black.

His badly broken right leg needed six screws to keep the bone steady during his seven-month rehabilitation and a calf problem, picked up on his meagre playing diet of a couple of club rugby matches and practice games, further delayed his return to the team.

Every outing has helped his confidence levels, but Weepu admits there remain some doubts after the injury.

"It is slowly getting there, but this is another step up from club level. I'm not as worried about it and just have to make sure I'm not getting caught up too much and stay as confident as I can."

After so long out of the game, Weepu was realistic about what he could contribute to a Hurricanes side who have won only three times this season.

"I don't think I'm in the state to be starting at this stage, it's my first game back - I don't want to get out there and not be where I'm supposed to be," he said.

Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett was non-committal about how much game time Weepu, who is set to make his 80th appearance for the franchise, would see, but welcomed his return, especially after reserve halfback Tyson Keats copped a four-week ban for a dangerous tackle on Blues halfback Alby Mathewson.

"It's exciting for him to get the jersey back on and do what he does best," said Hammett.

He said the players were pleased to see Weepu back after such a long absence, one of two changes to the side narrowly beaten by the Blues.

In the only change to the starting line-up, Ma'a Nonu returns after recovering from a fractured eye socket as Hammett perseveres with a forward pack that has found its form in recent weeks.

The Highlanders downed the Hurricanes 14-9 in the first round after dictating terms at the breakdown.

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