Rugby: Coles scratched for Hurricanes

Dane Coles has been ruled out of the Hurricanes' match against the Highlanders. Photo / Getty

Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles has been scratched from Friday night's clash with the Highlanders in Dunedin due to an elbow injury, despite being named in the squad today.

The All Black hooker hyperextended his elbow during last Friday's 30-23 victory over the Blues in Palmerston North and could have played this week at a pinch.

But Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd decided after further examination it was easier to give Coles a week off given the All Blacks have to miss two games this season.

Coles had his elbow strapped at Hurricanes training at Rugby League Park in Newtown this afternoon and appeared to be moving freely, so the decision to pull him is largely precautionary.

"We were keen to obviously put, pretty much, our best side that was available against the Highlanders," Boyd said.

"There was no way we were going to take the Highlanders lightly."

With Coles out, a fit-again Motu Matu'u will start on Friday with Brayden Mitchell joining the bench. Wider training group hooker Leni Apisai was due to play for the squad's development side against the Chiefs in Te Kuiti today.

The unbeaten Hurricanes have shuffled their locking combination as well with Jeremy Thrush starting alongside the versatile Blade Thomson.

James Broadhurst is suspended this week, while Mark Abbott has endured a heavy workload during the opening four games and will play from the bench against the Highlanders.

"Abo's done a fantastic job for us through [South] Africa, Australia and against the Blues," Boyd said.

The only switch in the backs comes on the right wing as Cory Jane returns to the flank with Matt Proctor dropping out of the side, despite scoring a try in the win over the Blues.

The Hurricanes have a stacked back three with international wings Julian Savea and Cory Jane, while Nehe Milner-Skudder has made a claim for the No 15 jersey. James Marshall occupies a bench role given he can cover fullback and first-five.

Milner-Skudder showed flashes of his ability against the Blues on his home turf in his first start in Super Rugby but he will be mindful of not getting himself isolated in attack this week.

"He's got a little bit of work to do," Boyd said. "But he's such a dangerous individual and complements the other wingers, as well.

"There was enough for us to get excited about that we thought we'd give him another opportunity."

Friday's game looms as a close contest and the bookies can't split them with both sides being offered at a $1.87 head-to-head quote.

The 3-1 Highlanders have won the last three games between the sides but the average margin of victory has been less than four points.

"They are tricky to play against. They're going well," Boyd said.