The Hurricanes will be without stalwarts Jerry Collins and Conrad Smith for their Super 14 rugby match against the Highlanders on Friday.
Collins has not recovered sufficiently from a neck injury suffered in last week's game against the Crusaders.
A team statement tonight from last year's finalists said
Smith was not considered because of injury without elaborating.
The duo's absence has forced four changes to the run-on side from last week's 13-23 defeat to the Crusaders and two positional changes.
Piri Weepu, who played first five-eighth the last three matches slots back in as halfback with Jimmy Gopperth resuming first five duties.
Tana Umaga will be the centre with Tamati Ellison his partner in the midfield. Regular second five-eighth Ma'a Nonu, who was sin-binned in the Crusaders match, has been demoted to the reserves.
Jason Eaton moves into Collins' blindside flank with Bernie Upton coming in as lock.
With just two games remaining, the match between the ninth-placed Hurricanes and the Highlanders, one place above them in the standings, is shaping up to be a battle to avoid the tag of worst performing New Zealand team this season.
Team:
Cory Jane Hosea Gear, Tana Umaga Tamati Ellison, Shannon Paku, Jimmy Gopperth, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo (captain), Chris Masoe, Jason Eaton, Bernie Upton, Paul Tito, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, John Schwalger.
Reserves: Tone Kopelani, Anthony Perenise, Bradley Mika, Serge Lilo, Alby Mathewson, David Smith, Ma'a Nonu.
- NZPA
