Promising hooker Asafo Aumua has been left out of the Hurricanes 27-man squad for their trip to South Africa.
The Hurricanes open their season against the Bulls, and then they head to Argentina to face the Jaguares in Buenos Aires.
Assistant Canes coach Jason Holland admits the reason the 20-year-old All Blacks squad member didn't make the squad flying out today for Pretoria because he isn't fit.
"He's learnt a few little lessons, said Holland. " He has to be better around some parts of his conditioning but he is really close and we are just taking it very carefully with him."
Also missing from the plane to Pretoria is star playmaker Beauden Barrett. The 26-year-old is attending a wedding this weekend and will link up with the squad later in the week.
With Barrett not having played any pre-season, and joining the squad late, the Hurricanes confirmed that new recruit Ihaia West will don the ten jerseys for the match against the Bulls - with Barrett likely to come off the bench.
"Beaudey hasn't played any footy yet and he'll be good on the bench for this weekend and him and Jamie Booth will join us on Monday."
In total, nine new recruits are on the plane to South Africa. Props Toby Smith, Alex Fidow, Fraser Armstrong, lock Murray Douglas, winger Jonah Lowe, halfback Jamie Booth and first five-eighths Ihaia West and Jackson Garden-Bachop.
Brad Shields will lead the side with Dane Coles injured while Jordie Barrett and Nehe Milner- Skudder are also out injured.
Hurricanes tour squad:
Backs: Jonah Lowe, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Ben Lam, Julian Savea, Wes Goosen, Vince Aso, Matt Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Beauden Barrett, Ihaia West, TJ Perenara, Jamie Booth.
Forwards: Blade Thomson, Gareth Evans, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields (capt), Vaea Fifita, Michael Fatialofa, Murray Douglas, Sam Lousi, Toby Smith, Chris Eves, Ben May, Fraser Armstrong, Alex Fidow, Ricky Riccitelli, James O'Reilly.
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