All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara will lead the Hurricanes in their opening Super Rugby match against the Waratahs.
The Hurricanes' most-capped halfback with 111 appearances, Perenara will lead the side, with club captain Dane Coles named on the bench.
"Both TJ and Dane are really experienced in leading the side, and we want to share the load within the squad with two exceptional individuals," Hurricanes head coach John Plumtree said.
Plumtree has named a starting XV that contains plenty of Super Rugby experience, mixed with a couple of new faces for the clash in Sydney on Saturday night.
Former Highlanders youngster Fletcher Smith will wear the number 10 jersey, after impressing during the pre-season campaign, while Manawatu lock Liam Mitchell will make his debut in the run-on side.
"Liam has been one player who has really taken his chances since he came into the environment," Plumtree said.
"The coaching group have seen just how hard he has worked and he has been rewarded with a chance to start in what we think is a pretty exciting squad."
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The back-line is an experienced unit, with Ngani Laumape and Matt Proctor combining in the midfield, and a back three consisting of last season's top try-scorer Ben Lam, Vince Aso and Jordie Barrett.
The bench is highlighted by the inclusion of Coles, while prop Xavier Numia and loose forward Du'Plessis Kirifi may make their Hurricanes debuts.
Hurricanes: 1-Chris Eves, 2-Ricky Riccitelli, 3-Jeff Toomaga-Allen, 4-Liam Mitchell, 5-James Blackwell, 6-Reed Prinsep, 7-Ardie Savea, 8-Gareth Evans, 9-TJ Perenara, 10- Fletcher Smith, 11-Ben Lam, 12-Ngani Laumape, 13-Matt Proctor, 14-Vince Aso, 15-Jordie Barrett
Reserves: 16-Dane Coles, 17-Xavier Numia, 18-Ben May, 19-Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20-Du Plessis Kirifi, 21-Finlay Christie, 22-James Marshall, 23-Wes Goosen
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