Coach Chris Boyd is eager to see what Vaea Fifita can add to the Hurricanes' mix when he starts at blindside for the first time this Super Rugby season against the Bulls in Pretoria.
Boyd has named a new-look loose forward trio for the match at Loftus Versfeld, with Fifita - who had started the past four matches at lock - joining openside Ardie Savea and No.8 Brad Shields.
The re-shuffle will allow Mark Abbott to return to his regular second-row starting spot, while versatile loose forward Reed Prinsep will come off the bench.
"We've been chewing over when we might like to have a look at Vaea at six," Boyd said.
"He's got the skill set to play at lock or six and we felt, for this game against the Bulls, that we'd go for a slightly bigger pack.
"He's also very powerful - he's a good lineout forward, clearly, and he's a good scrummager."
There are two other changes to the starting team from the Hurricanes' record 61-7 win over the Cheetahs in Wellington.
Jordie Barrett returns at fullback, while Loni Uhila will make his first start since round three at loosehead prop. Jordie Barrett replaces older brother Beauden, who moves back to his favoured position of inside centre in place of Otere Black, while Uhila takes over in the No.1 jersey from Ben May.
The Hurricanes have won nine of 11 matches this season, while the Bulls have just three victories.
HURRICANES: Jordie Barrett, Wes Goosen, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara (capt), Brad Shields, Ardie Savea, Vaea Fifita, Sam Lousi, Mark Abbott, Jeffery To'omaga-Allen, Ricky Riccitelli, Loni Uhila.
Res: Leni Apisai, Chris Eves, Ben May, Reed Prinsep, Callum Gibbins,Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Otere Black, Ben Lam.
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