All Blacks hooker Dane Coles will make his first start for the Hurricanes this season, but captain Ardie Savea is unavailable for Saturday's clash with the Rebels.
Dane Coles. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Coles has made two appearances off the bench since returning from injury.
This weekend's encounter in Wellington is the Hurricanes penultimate match of the regular season and their final home game.
"We've always had a bit of a plan in place with Colesy and he's had an awesome progression back.
"He's made impact off the bench and now he gets the opportunity to start. Asafo will have a different role to come on and add massive energy at the backend of the game," said Head Coach, Jason Holland.
Jordie Barrett has been retained at second-five.
With All Blacks Ardie Savea unavailable, TJ Perenara captains the side from half-back, with TK Howden shifting from blindside to number eight.
"TK is obviously talented and can slot in at 6 and 8 easily. With a couple of injuries in that space, and Ardie unavailable, he gets the opportunity to start at number eight this week. We're confident he can do the job," said Holland.
Francis Douglas Memorial College product, Du'Plessis Kirifi, brings up his 50th game for the Hurricanes since his debut against the Waratahs in Sydney in 2019.
Ruben Love returns at fullback following a groin injury that has had him side-lined since mid-April.
Hurricanes team to face the Rebels:
1. Tevita Mafileo
2. Dane Coles
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. James Blackwell
5. Isaia Walker-Leawere
6. Blake Gibson
7. Du'Plessis Kirifi
8. TK Howden
9. TJ Perenara (c)
10. Aidan Morgan
11. Salesi Rayasi
12. Jordie Barrett
13. Billy Proctor
14. Julian Savea
15. Ruben Love
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Asafo Aumua
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones
18. Owen Franks
19. Scott Scrafton
20. Caleb Delany
21. Jamie Booth
22. Jackson Garden-Bachop
23. Wes Goosen
Unavailable for selection: Devan Flanders, Brayden Iose, Reed Prinsep, Pepesana Patafilo, Tyler Laubscher, Ardie Savea, Josh Moorby, Dominic Bird, Justin Sangster
