The under-fire Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett has made six changes to his side after going three rounds without a win in Super Rugby.
The All Black-in waiting TJ Perenara has been dropped to the bench with journeyman Chris Smylie set to start at halfback.
Ardie Savea gets his first start of the season on the openside flank while Faifili Levave starts on the blind side.
Alapati Leuia has been named on the left wing after Corey Jane was ruled out with a broken nose.
All Black prop Jeffrey Toomaga Allen starts at tight head and while second five Hadleigh Parks returns to the midfield.
The Hurricanes play the Cheetahs in Wellington on Saturday.
1. Ben Franks
2. Dane Coles
3. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
4. Jeremy Thrush
5. Mark Reddish
6. Faifili Levave
7. Ardie Savea
8. Blade Thomson
9. Chris Smylie
10. Beauden Barrett
11. Julian Savea
12. Hadleigh Parkes
13. Conrad Smith (c)
14. Alapati Leiua
15. James Marshall
Reserves
16. Motu Matu'u
17. Chris Eves
18. John Schwalger
19. James Broadhurst
20. Jack Lam
21. TJ Perenara
22. Matt Proctor
23. Marty Banks
