All Blacks hooker Dane Coles will make his first Super Rugby start since 2017 after he was named in the Hurricanes side to face the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.
The 32‑year‑old did not appear for the Hurricanes last year after suffering a serious knee injury in the All Blacks' test against France on their 2017 end‑of‑year tour.
Hurricanes coach John Plumtree has left Beauden Barrett out of the matchday 23 to face the nine‑times champions, despite the flyhalf indicating on Tuesday he would be keen to play.
Barrett only rejoined the Hurricanes on Monday after having an extended break during the off‑season.
All five of New Zealand's Super Rugby sides are required to stand down their All Blacks for at least two games this season in order to minimise the chance of burnout ahead of the World Cup.
The Highlanders take on the Reds at 6.35pm tomorrow.
On Saturday, the Sunwolves will face the Waratahs at 4.15pm, the biggest match of the weekend will see the Hurricanes take on defending champions the Crusaders at 6.35pm while the Brumbies will meet the Chiefs at 8.45pm.
On Sunday, the Sharks will face the Blues at 1.05am, Stormers will take on the Lions at 3.15am and Jaguares will take on the Bulls at 9.40am.
The Hurricanes squad to face the Crusaders is:
15 Jordie Barrett
14 Wes Goosen
13 Matt Proctor
12 Vince Aso
11 Ben Lam
10 Fletcher Smith
9 Finlay Christie
8 Gareth Evans
7 Du'Plessis Kirifi
6 Reed Prinsep
5 Liam Mitchell
4 James Blackwell
3 Jeff To'omaga‑Allen
2 Dane Coles
1 Chris Eves
Reserves
16 Ricky Riccitelli
17 Xavier Numia
18 Ben May
19 Isaia Walker‑Leawere
20 Sam Henwood
21 TJ Perenara
22 Jackson Garden‑Bachop
23 Ngani Laumape
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