The All Blacks hooker Dane Coles will make his captaincy debut for the Hurricanes when they take on the Force in Perth this weekend.
Dane Coles in action for the Hurricanes, 2012. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The 28-year-old has been handed captain's arm band in the absence of Conrad Smith, who will sit out this Saturday's match as part of the All Blacks' two enforced Super Rugby games off, and the two bye weeks.
The coach Chris Boyd has continued to rotate players this week, moving Blade Thomson to lock alongside James Broadhurst, while Ardie Savea comes back into the starting line-up.
Victor Vito will also have his first start for the 2015 season, along with half-back Chris Smiley and fullback James Marshall.
Manawatu fullback Nehe Milner-Skudder returns from a knee injury, and has been named on the bench.
The match kicks off in Perth on Saturday at 12am (NZDT).
Hurricanes:
1. Reggie Goodes
2. Dane Coles (c)
3. Ben Franks
4. Blade Thomson
5. James Broadhurst
6. Brad Shields
7. Ardie Savea
8. Victor Vito
9. Chris Smiley
10. Beauden Barrett
11. Julian Savea
12. Ma'a Nonu
13. Rey Lee-Lo
14. Cory Jane
15. James Marshall
Reserves
16. Brayden Mitchell
17. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
18. Chris Eves
19. Mark Abbott
20. Callum Gibbins
21. TJ Perenara
22. Matt Proctor
23. Nehe Milner-Skudder
