All Blacks lock Lock Jeremy Thrush will miss the Hurricanes' opening match of the Super Rugby season against the Lions because of a calf injury.
Thrush had travelled to South Africa hopeful of being right for the fixture in Johannesburg on Saturday morning (AEDT).
He will now return to New Zealand and Geoff Cridge will fly out as his replacement in the tour party.
Thrush is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks.
His unavailability opens the way for Mark Abbott to get a starting spot against the Lions.
Outside back Nehe Milner-Skudder was not considered for selection because of a knee injury.
Hurricanes: Jason Woodward, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith (capt), Rey Lee-Lo, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Blade Thomson, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, James Broadhurst, Mark Abbott, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Dane Coles, Ben Franks.
Reserves: Brayden Mitchell, Reggie Goodes, Chris Eves, Callum Gibbins, Victor Vito, Chris Smylie, James Marshall, Matt Proctor.
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