The Hurricanes have suffered another injury blow ahead of Saturday’s sixth-round Super Rugby match against the Cheetahs at Westpac Stadium.

Lock Jason Eaton has been replaced by Jeremy Thrush after failing to fully recover from a back injury.

Thrush’s inclusion is the sixth change to the Hurricanes’ line-up that beat the Blues in a last-gasp 26-25 effort at Eden Park a week ago.

All Blacks loose forward Victor Vito strained a calf in training on Thursday, with his No.8 jersey going to Brad Shields for his first appearance in the starting 15.

Openside flanker Karl Lowe, who missed the entire 2011 season through injury, is back in the starting side.

Lock James Broadhurst and inside centre Charlie Ngatai will start after having come off the bench so far this season, while prop Tristan Moran returns to the front row after a three-week hiatus.