The Blues have been bolstered after several players returned to training from injury, including star playmaker Beauden Barrett, ahead of their clash with the Hurricanes.
Highly rated All Blacks and Hurricanes utility back Ruben Love has signed a new deal with the Hamilton-based outfit and New Zealand Rugby beyond the next World Cup in 2027.
The Hurricanes have made five changes to their starting XV for Saturday's derby with the Blues in Wellington with Peter Lakai brought in at number eight for his first start of the season.
