The Hurricanes new coach Mark Hammett has left All Black prop Neemia Tialata on the bench for Friday night's opening Super Rugby match against the Highlanders in Wellington, with Taranaki's Michael Bent to make his debut.
Lock Jason Eaton returns after a serious knee injury last year and partners James Broadhurst in the second row.
There is a new look loose forward trio with Jack Lam on the openside, Mark Reddish on the blindside and Victor Vito at number eight.
Winger Julian Savea will make his debut outside the All Black centres Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu.
Former All Black number eight Rodney So'oialo, wasn't available after suffering an injury in last week's pre-season match against the ACT Brumbies.
