Injury problems haven’t eased for the Hurricanes as their Super Rugby campaign resumes after a three-week break with a must-win match against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.

Cory Jane is working his way back to fitness from a high ankle strain, Victor Vito’s knee injury has him still ruled out and TJ Perenara’s broken ankle from the Reds’ friendly earlier this month ended his season.

Alapati Leiua takes Jane’s place on the wing, while Brad Shields fills in for Vito at No.8 and Hawke’s Bay halfback Chris Eaton will start at halfback.

Openside flanker Jack Lam, carrying a slight hamstring strain, has been bracketed with Karl Lowe.

In a plus for the Hurricanes, new All Blacks Beauden Barrett and Julian Savea should return on a high after making impressive debuts in the three-Test series against Ireland.

The Hurricanes last played in Christchurch three years ago, notching up a 30-24 win.

Heading into Saturday’s match, the Crusaders lie fourth on the table with 51 points with the Hurricanes placed sixth on 45.

The Hurricanes have their second bye of the season next week before returning to Wellington on July 13 for their final match against the Chiefs.

Hurricanes: Andre Taylor, Alapati Leiua, Conrad Smith (captain), Tim Bateman, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, Chris Eaton, Brad Shields, Jack Lam/Karl Lowe, Faifili Levave, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Ben May, Dane Coles, Reg Goodes.

Reserves: Motu Matu’u, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, James Broadhurst, Karl Lowe/Mark Reddish, Frae Wilson, Tusi Pisi, Jayden Hayward.