The strength in depth of the Hurricanes goes on display when they take on the Western Force in the second round of the Super 14 in New Plymouth on Saturday.
Coach Colin Cooper has made three changes to the run-on side, none startling, from the lineup that last week demolished the Blues 37-19. Two more changes have been made to the bench.
Former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga is sidelined by a calf muscle injury and left wing Ma'a Nonu shifts to second five-eighth to link up with centre Conrad Smith.
Nonu's spot on the wing is filled by Hosea Gear.
In two changes to the tight five, lock Paul Tito replaces Luke Andrews and prop John Schwalger is introduced for his Super 14 debut in place of Joe McDonnell.
In the backline reserves, Tamati Ellison and Tane Tu'ipulotu come in for David Holwell and Shannon Paku.
For blockbusting Nonu, who made a big impact against the Blues including a fine solo try, it would be a chance to display his wares to the All Blacks selectors as a midfielder.
"It's an opportunity to show the All Blacks and to show us that he's a serious contender for the midfield," Cooper told NZPA today.
Nonu had moved into second five-eighth against the Blues after Umaga came off with an injury and was a menace that a tiring Blues defence struggled to contain.
"With Conrad, Tana and Nonu, there is a lot of competition," said Cooper, adding that Tu'ipulotu, "who we rate very highly, is another option (we have)".
Cooper indicated Schwalger's promotion into the starting lineup was just reward for the hard work the prop has been putting in, and was unlikely to weaken the Hurricanes' scrum.
" He's been in the wider training group for a couple of years.
"I felt he played exceptionally well in the NPC. He forced his way into the 28.
"Just his form and what he's been doing in the pre-season has convinced me. He's a big man, good scrummager."
Even though the Western Force, under former All Blacks coach John Mitchell, were a new team in the Super 14 championship, the Hurricanes could not afford any complacency.
"They're an exciting team, full of enthusiasm, we just have to make sure we're on our game," Cooper said.
However, fans can expect more of the attacking game the side are renowned for.
"I was really happy that we tried to do a lot on attack in the first half (against the Blues).
"There was some dropped ball but we stuck with it, there was a lot of composure on attack and it paid off eventually."
Mitchell, whose team arrived in New Plymouth yesterday, was impressed with the Hurricanes' win over the Blues.
"They've got threats all over the park," Mitchell said.
"Their pack is more mature. We have an opportunity just like them, it's another contest. It's our first game overseas."
Hurricanes: Isaia Toeava, Lome Fa'atau, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Jimmy Gopperth, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo (captain), Chris Masoe, Jerry Collins, Jason Eaton, Paul Tito, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, John Schwalger.
Reserves: Luke Mahoney, Tim Fairbrother, Luke Andrews, Thomas Waldrom, Brendan Haami, Tamati Ellison, Tane Tu'ipulotu.
NZPA