The Wellington based Hurricanes have suffered a blow for their Super Rugby opener against the Brumbies as All Black hooker Dane Coles has withdrawn.
Coles suffered a minor calf strain in training on Wednesday and has been replaced in the team by Leni Apisai.
The All Black hooker was a doubt for the match earlier in the week with a hamstring strain but this new injury is unrelated.
With the loss of Coles TJ Perenara takes over the captaincy and Ricky Riccitelli comes on to the replacments bench.
Hurricanes
15. Nehe Milner-Skudder, 14. Cory Jane, 13. Vince Aso, 12. Ngani Laumape, 11. Julian Savea, 10. Beauden Barrett, 9. TJ Perenara (c), 8. Victor Vito, 7. Ardie Savea, 6. Brad Shields, 5. Mark Abbott, 4. Blade Thomson, 3. Jeff Toomaga-Allen, 2. Leni Apisai, 1. Reggie Goodes.
Replacements : Ricky Riccitelli, Chris Eves, Loni Uhila, Vaea Fifita, Callum Gibbins, Jamison Gibson-Park, Otere Black, Willis Halaholo.
