The Hurricanes welcome back their vice-captain TJ Perenara who has been named on the bench for Friday night's Super Rugby clash between the Canes and the Blues in Auckland at Eden Park.
Perenara suffered a knee injury against the Sharks earlier last month in Napier.
The Hurricanes have made five changes to their squad with Jordie Barrett ruled out of the Blues clash after suffering a minor ankle injury against the Lions last Saturday in Wellington.
He is replaced by Nehe Milner-Skudder at fullback.
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd has opted to rotate a few players within the squad with Sam Lousi starting at lock with Michael Fatialofa moving to the bench.
Loose forward Blade Thompson makes his return from injury named on the bench for the Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes sit second on the Super Rugby New Zealand conference ladder, two points behind defending champions the Crusaders.
Hurricanes: 15 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 14 Julian Savea, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Ben Lam, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Gareth Evans, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Brad Shields (c), 5 Sam Lousi, 4 Vaea Fifita, 3 Jeff Toomaga-Allen, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Toby Smith.
Reserves: 16 James O'Reilly, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Ben May, 19 Michael Fatialofa, 20 Blade Thomson, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Ihaia West, 23 TBC.
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