Hurricanes' captain Coles still sidelined
Scrumhalf TJ Perenara is continuing to lead the Hurricane – when they face the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday in an early season replay of last year's Super Rugby final – in the absence of season captain Coles, whose calf injury has again delayed his first appearance of the year.
Nehe Milner-Skudder is another player struggling with an injury and he has been bracketed with James Marshall at fullback after falling heavily on his leg during the opening round.
He will be monitored by the Hurricanes medical staff before a final decision is made on his availability.
If Milner-Skudder is ruled out, Marshall will start with Jason Woodward coming into the replacements.
Other unavailable due to injury include Matt Proctor (knee), Motu Matu'u (calf), Ben May (shoulder) and James Blackwell (foot).
Coach Chris Boyd named an unchanged starting side for this Round Two encounter.
A week after losing heavily to the Brumbies in Canberra, Boyd has shown faith in his players by making just one confirmed change to his match day 23.
Utility back James Marshall returns to the squad after missing the first round due to the arrival of his first child, replacing Otere Black in the reserves.
Hurricanes: 15 Nehe Milner-Skudder/James Marshall, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Vince Aso, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara (captain), 8 Victor Vito, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Brad Shields, 5 Mark Abbott, 4 Blade Thomson, 3 Jeff Toomaga-Allen, 2 Leni Apisai, 1 Reggie Goodes.
Replacements: 16 Ricky Riccitelli, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Loni Uhila, 19 Vaea Fifita, 20 Callum Gibbins, 21 Jamison Gibson-Park, 22 James Marshall/Jason Woodward, 23 Willis Halaholo.
Date: Saturday, March 5
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19.35 (08.35 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Jamie Nutbrown (New Zealand), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
TMO: Chris Wratt (New Zealand)
