Midfield trial for Hurricanes in Gosford
The departure of All Black veterans Ma'a Nonu (to Toulon in France) and Conrad Smith (Pau in France) left an enormous hole in the midfield of the 2015 Super Rugby runners-up.
Willis Halaholo and Ahki will get the first run in the No.12 and No.13 jerseys this week.
Matt Proctor and Jason Woodward will also play in the midfield during the match that will be contested over four quarters.
Two of the Hurricanes other midfielders, Ngani Laumape (knee) and Vince Aso (abductor), are among those unavailable for the match due to injury.
The team put out by coach Chris Boyd includes nine newcomers to the Canes, while none of their World Cup All Blacks – like Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, Dane Coles, Victor Vito and Nehe Milner-Skudder – are available for this match.
Pita Ahki, Loni Uhila, Michael Fatialofa, Tony Lamborn, Hisa Sasagi, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, James Blackwell, Malo Tuitama and Peter Umaga-Jensen will all represent the franchise for the first time.
Loose forward Brad Shields will lead the side in the absence of captain Dane Coles and vice-captain TJ Perenara.
The All Blacks are due to return to play during the team's second pre-season match, against the Blues in Eketahuna on February 13.
The Hurricanes open their 2016 campaign against the Brumbies in Canberra on February 26.
Hurricanes: 15 Jason Woodward, 14 Matt Proctor, 13 Pita Ahki, 12 Willis Halaholo, 11 Wes Goosen, 10 Otere Black, 9 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 8 Blade Thomson, 7 Callum Gibbins, 6 Brad Shields (captain), 5 Mark Abbott, 4 Vaea Fifita, 3 Jeff Toomaga-Allen, 2 Motu Matu'u, 1 Reg Goodes.
Replacements – from: Leni Apisai, Loni Uhila, Ben May, Hisa Sasagi, Chris Eves, Michael Fatialofa, James Blackwell, Tony Lamborn, Frae Wilson, Malo Tuitama, Peter Umaga-Jensen.
Date: Wednesday, February 3
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: 18.50 (20.50 NZ time; 07.50 GMT)
Referee: TBC
