A lower back injury to hooker Dane Coles has seen the Hurricanes err on the side of caution for their must-win clash against the Crusaders on Saturday night.
After a stunning 29-27 win over the Blues last weekend, the Hurricanes can halt the Crusaders' march to a Super Rugby Aotearoa crown - and improve their own claims - if they can trip up the red-and-blacks in Christchurch.
But they have suffered a blow in the loss of Coles, who was influential in the opening hour against the Blues - the All Blacks hooker not worth risking for fear of a more meaningful injury.
His absence opens the door for impressive Asafo Aumua, who has been back to his destructive best in recent weeks, but will face a tough test against a front row likely to boast All Black Codie Taylor.
Elsewhere, Hurricanes coach Jason Holland has shown no sentiment towards departing South African winger Kobus van Wyk, who signed for the Leicester Tigers on Monday.
Wes Goosen takes his place on the right wing in the only other change to the side.
With just three weeks left in the campaign, the Crusaders have a game in hand on the four other franchises and could go to within a win of claiming the inaugural title, if they can top the Hurricanes.
Hurricanes: 1-Fraser Armstrong, 2-Dane Coles, 3-Tyrel Lomax, 4-James Blackwell, 5-Scott Scrafton, 6-Reed Prinsep, 7-Du'Plessis Prinsep, 8-Ardie Savea, 9-TJ Perenara, 10-Jackson Garden-Bachop, 11-Ben Lam, 12-Ngani Laumape, 13-Peter Umaga-Jensen, 14-Wes Goosen, 15-Jordie Barrett
Reserves: 16- Ricky Riccitelli , 17-Tevita Mafileo, 18-Alex Fidow, 19-Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20-Vaea Fifita, 21-Jamie Booth, 22-Vince Aso, 23-Chase Tiatia
Join us at 7pm Saturday for live updates of the Crusaders v Hurricanes Super Rugby Aotearoa clash
