All Blacks Jordie Barrett and Dane Coles will bolster the Hurricanes for their eagerly awaited Super Rugby derby against the Blues on Saturday.
The international pair were rested last week, as the Wellington-based outfit overwhelmed the Sunwolves 62-15 in Napier, but have been recalled for the first of three straight NZ conference showdowns.
Barrett replaces Chase Tiatia at fullback, while Coles takes a seat on the bench, behind starting hooker Asafo Aumua.
Coach Chris Gibbes has made only two changes to the starting line-up so impressive against the Japanese side - Isaia Walker-Leawere also replaces James Blackwell at lock.
Fresh off his debut hat-trick last week, South African-born Kobus Van Wyk retains his spot on the right wing, ahead of Wes Goosen, while centre Vince Aso brings up his 50th appearance for the Hurricanes, alongside blockbusting second-five Ngani Laumape in the midfield.
"[Van Wyk] played himself in," insists assistant coach Jason Holland. "We've had guys chomping at the bit to have a crack, and we've got guys who haven't had a crack for a long time and have taken their opportunities.
"As I've said to our back three, some guys are disappointed and rightly so. It's a battle and guys have to be on their game, week in and week out, to keep those spots - we've got great competition."
Holland was reluctant to describe this as the Hurricanes' full-strength line-up - perhaps Coles would edge Aumua for the No.2 jersey - but conceded the coaching staff was reluctant to crib on selections, with crucial matches against the Blues, Chiefs and Crusaders looming.
Hurricanes: 1-Xavier Numia, 2-Asafo Aumua, 3-Tyrel Lomax, 4-Isaia Walker-Leawere, 5-Scott Scrafton, 6-Vaea Fifita, 7-Du'Plessis Kirifi, 8-Gareth Evans, 9-TJ Perenara, 10-Fletcher Smith, 11-Ben Lam, 12-Ngani Laumape, 13-Vince Aso, 14-Kobus Van Wyk, 15-Jordie Barrett
Reserves: 16-Dane Coles, 17-Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18-Alex Fidow, 19-James Blackwell, 20-Devan Flanders, 21-Jamie Booth, 22-Billy Proctor, 23-Wes Goosen
Join us at 7pm Saturday for live updates of the Hurricanes v Blues Super Rugby clash
