Manawatu prop Chris Eves will start his first Investec Super Rugby match this weekend when the Hurricanes take on the Sharks at Westpac Stadium.
The 27-year-old has played 21 matches for the Hurricanes, but this will be his first time running onto the park in the starting XV, with coach Chris Boyd giving Reggie Goodes a break from starting duties.
Eves is one of a number of changes to this week's Hurricanes side which includes a returning Victor Vito, who has been out with a calf injury. Boyd has also opted to rest wing Julian Savea and halfback TJ Perenara, with Matt Proctor and Chris Smylie coming into the line-up.
New Zealand under-20 vice captain, Otere Black, has returned from the Oceania Rugby Junior Championship to take a spot on the bench.
Hooker Dane Coles was unavailable for selection this week after suffering a calf strain in the team's match against the Crusaders last week.
The team to face the Sharks at Westpac Stadium, kick-off 7.35pm Saturday is;
- Chris Eves
- Motu Matu'u
- Ben Franks
- Jeremy Thrush
- James Broadhurst
- Blade Thomson
- Ardie Savea
- Victor Vito
- Chris Smylie
- James Marshall
- Matt Proctor
- Ma'a Nonu
- Conrad Smith (c)
- Cory Jane
- Nehe Milner-Skudder
Reserves
16. Brayden Mitchell
17. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
18. Reggie Goodes
19. Callum Gibbins
20. Brad Shields
21. Frae Wilson
22. Otere Black
23. Rey Lee-Lo