Thrush blow for Hurricanes
The Hurricanes suffered a setback ahead of their opening match of the Super Rugby season., against the Lions at Ellis Park on Friday.
All Black lock Jeremy Thrush suffered a calf injury in training this week and has been forced to return to New Zealand.
The 29-year-old second row forward, who has played in 11 Tests since his debut in 2013, is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks, depending on his recovery.
Thrush's injury has made way for Mark Abbott to grab a starting spot, while his Hawke's Bay teammate, Geoff Cridge, has flown over to join the team in Johannesburg.
The Hurricanes will also be without another veteran All Black, centre Ma'a Nonu – who did not accompany the team to South Africa, as he awaits the arrival of his third child.
Nonu will join the team later this week, but is not available for the Ellis Park outing.
Nehe Milner-Skudder was not considered for selection this week, due to a knee injury.
There is still plenty of star quality in the New Zealand outfit.
Beauden Barrett will start at flyhalf, with Julian Savea (wing) and captain Conrad Smith (centre) providing added firepower among the backs.
Up front they have All Black experience in prop Ben Franks and hooker Dan Coles.
Hurricanes: 15 Jason Woodward, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith (captain), 12 Rey Le-Lo, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Blade Thomson, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Brad Shields, 5 James Broadhurst, 4 Mark Abbott, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2 Dan Coles, 1 Ben Franks.
Replacements: 16 Brayden Mitchell, 17 Reggie Goodes, 18 Chris Eves, 19 Callum Gibbins, 20 Victor Vito, 21 Chris Smylie, 22 James Marshall, 23 Matt Proctor.
Date: Friday, February 13
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT; 06.10 Saturday, February 14 NZ time)
Referee: Rohan Hoffmann (Australia)
Assistant referees: Andrew Lees (Australia), Lesego Legoete (South Africa)
TMO: Johan Greeff (South Africa)
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