Openside flanker Ardie Savea will return to Hurricanes duty for the Super Rugby pre-season match against the Crusaders in Blenheim.
Savea, back from appearing for the All Blacks Sevens on the world series circuit, has been included in a rejigged loose forward trio for the fixture on Friday.
At blindside will be Vaea Fifita, who replaces Brad Shields, one of several players, including captain and hooker Dane Coles, being rested ahead of the Hurricanes' season opener against the Brumbies in Canberra the following weekend.
Shields has a sore foot, while Coles, who missed last Saturday's hit-out against the Blues to attend a friend's wedding, has a tight hamstring.
Coach Chris Boyd says it's a case of erring on the side of caution with the season so close.
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Halfback TJ Perenara will again lead the side in Coles' absence.
There is one change in the backline, where Vince Aso returns from a minor groin strain to take over from Matt Proctor at centre.
Proctor will be sidelined for several weeks after straining the posterior cruciate ligament in his knee against the Blues.
Hurricanes: Nehe Milner-Skudder, Cory Jane, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara (capt), Victor Vito, Ardie Savea, Vaea Fifita, Mark Abbott, Blade Thomson, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Leni Apisai, Reggie Goodes.
Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Loni Uhila, Chris Eves, Michael Fatialofa, Callum Gibbins, Jamison Gibson-Park, Willis Halaholo, Pita Ahki, James Marshall, Jason Woodward.
