New-look midfield for 'Canes
Vince Aso and Matt Proctor will pair up together for the first time this season at AAMI Stadium with Chris Boyd making three changes to the side that started last Saturday’s 40-22 win over the Jaguares in Wellington.
Aso replaces Ngani Laumape, who moves to the bench, while Proctor shifts in from the right wing to take over from Willis Halaholo at centre in a re-jigged backline.
Jason Woodward takes his place at fullback against his old side after pulling out of the Jaguares match with a tight back, while Cory Jane reverts to his favoured number 14 jersey.
Vaea Fifita will start at lock in place of Blade Thomson who has been ruled out of the match due to a bruised knee.
Boyd has also shuffled his` bench with Hawke’s Bay loose forward Tony Lambourn set to make his Super Rugby debut against the Rebels.
Hooker Leni Apisai and lock Mark Abbott have also been added to the mix.
Apisai takes the place of Motu Matu’u, Abbott takes the spot opened up by Fifita’s elevation to the starting team, and Lambourn comes in for Callum Gibbins.
Hurricanes: 15 Jason Woodward, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Vince Aso, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara (vice captain), 8 Victor Vito, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Brad Shields, 5 Michael Fatialofa, 4 Vaea Fifita, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2 Dane Coles (captain), 1 Reggie Goodes.
Replacements: Leni Apisai, Chris Eves, Ben May, Mark Abbott, Tony Lambourn, Jamison Gibson-Park, Otere Black, Ngani Laumape.
Date: Friday, April 15
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 19.45 (09.45 GMT)
Referee: Rohan Hoffmann
Assistant referees: Damien Mitchelmore, Ed Martin
TMO: Peter Marshall
