Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles could be out of Super Rugby for up to six weeks after a knock at training earlier this week left him with a fractured eye socket.
Coles will be replaced in the starting line-up for Friday’s match against the Western Force in Wellington by Motu Matu’u, who was on the reserves bench.
Former Blues hooker Ash Dixon replaces Matu’u on the bench.
Coles had a scan on his right eye on Wednesday, with the results indicating he could miss the next six matches.
Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett says his experience will be missed on the paddock, but there are other areas in which he can contribute.
“It’s disappointing for Colesy, but there is plenty more time in this competition,” he said.
“He’s a positive guy and extremely hard working. He can still do a heck of a lot for the team, even though he won’t be involved in contact sessions, and we will be making the most of his experience.”
Hammett has made four other changes to the Hurricanes team who lost 28-6 to the Blues last week.
Chris Smylie will start in place of first-choice halfback TJ Perenara, while Jack Lam replaces rising flanker Ardie Savea, Jeremy Thrush comes in for former All Blacks lock Jason Eaton and prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen is promoted from the reserve bench after fully overcoming A niggling injury.