All Blacks duo Dane Coles and Gareth Evans are set to make their long-awaited returns to Super Rugby, after being named in the Hurricanes 27-man squad for the tour of South Africa.
Hooker Coles hasn't played since the Hurricanes' round five match against the Chiefs, while loose forward Evans hasn't featured since the defeat to the Crusaders in round two.
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Both players have been battling with calf injuries.
The pair played club rugby in Wellington on Saturday and Hurricanes coach John Plumtree now feels satisfied they're ready to step back up to Super Rugby level.
"We have been patient with both players through their rehab," said Plumtree. "And we think that is really going to benefit us at the back of this season."
"The next two matches are vital for us in South Africa, as we push for a home quarter-final. But we know the size of the challenge against two quality sides who are also fighting really hard for places at the top of their conference."
The Hurricanes have three games remaining before the Super Rugby playoffs - the Sharks in Durban, the Lions in Johannesburg, then back home to face the Blues.
The touring squad features a 16-forward, 11-back split and also sees the return of first five-eighth Beauden Barrett, who missed the Hurricanes loss to the Jaguares due to the second of his All Blacks rest weeks.
Hurricanes squad heading to South Africa
Forwards: Jeff To'omaga-Allen, Fraser Armstrong, Toby Smith, Chris Eves, Ross Geldenhuys, Dane Coles, Asafo Aumua, Ricky Riccitelli, James Blackwell, Kane Le'aupepe, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Ardie Savea, Gareth Evans, Vaea Fifita, Reed Prinsep, Du'Plessis Kirifi.
Backs: TJ Perenara, Richard Judd, Beauden Barrett, James Marshall, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Ngani Laumape, Matt Proctor, Wes Goosen, Jordie Barrett, Ben Lam, Chase Tiatia.
Newshub.