The Hurricanes side features three new caps, including a starting debut for Japan captain Warner Dearns.
He is set to be accompanied in making his maiden Hurricanes appearance by loose forward Arese Poliko and wider training group utility forward Matolu Petaia, both of whom have been named on the bench.
The soon-to-be-capped trio headlines this week’s lineup, which includes Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, and Siale Lauaki in the front row.
Hugo Plummer partners Dearns in the second row, while All Blacks loose forward Peter Lakai will play his first match of the year after being named at openside flanker in a back row that has Devan Flanders at blindside flanker and Brayden Iose at No 8.
In the backline, Ereatara Enari and Brett Cameron start at halfback and first-five, respectively.
Jordie Barrett captains the side from second-five, and Josh Moorby has been named at right wing, in what will be the first Hurricanes match for both players since 2024.
Barrett joins centre Bailyn Sullivan in the midfield, and Moorby forms a back three with left wing Fehi Fineanganofo and fullback Callum Harkin.
On the bench, Poliko and Petaia are named alongside All Blacks pair Cam Roigard and Billy Proctor, both of whom are in line for their first matches of the year.
Elsewhere, Brad Shields has recovered from a finger injury to earn a spot in the reserves, while Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, and Tevita Mafileo will provide cover for the front row.
