Tender ribs have forced the Hurricanes to leave flanker Ardie Savea and centre Matt Proctor out of their Super Rugby match against the Melbourne Rebels tomorrow night.
Vaea Fifita is back from a shoulder niggle and will start Friday's match in Melbourne against the table‑topping Rebels.
Coach Chris Boyd confirmed Savea and Proctor had both suffered rib damage in last week's 29‑12 defeat of the Highlanders.
Counties Manukau openside flanker Sam Henwood will make his Hurricanes debut in place of Savea, having played twice previously for the Chiefs.
Vince Aso comes off the bench to replace centre Proctor, reuniting the brilliant midfield pairing of 2017.
The Hurricanes could have their hands full in the first trans‑Tasman clash of 2018.
The Rebels have averaged nearly six tries per game in winning four of five matches to top the overall standings.
The Rebels take on the Hurricanes at 8.45pm tomorrow while the Highlanders will face the Chiefs the at 6.35pm.
On Saturday, the Blues face the Sharks at 6.35pm while the Brumbies meet the Waratahs at 8.45pm.
On Sunday, the Bulls take on the Stormers at 3.15am and the Crusaders will meet the Lions at 12.30am next Monday.
Hurricanes Line-Up
Jordie Barrett, Julian Savea, Vince Aso, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Gareth Evans, Sam Henwood, Brad Shields (capt), Sam Lousi, Vaea Fifita, Ben May, Ricky Riccitelli, Chris Eves.
Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Fraser Armstrong, Jeffery Toomaga‑Allen, Michael Fatialofa, Reed Prinsep, Jamie Booth, Ihaia West, Wes Goosen.
Source: tvnz.com
