Coles blow for Canes
All Black hooker Dane Coles has been ruled out of the Hurricanes Super Rugby encounter with the Western Force on Friday.
The No.2 suffered a fractured eye socket.
Motu Matu'u, who was on the replacement bench, will step into the starting XV.
Ash Dixon will come on to the bench for the match in Wellington.
Coles had a scan on his right eye Wednesday, following a knock at training.
The results of the scan have indicated he could be out of action for up to six weeks.
Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett expressed his disappointment with the latest setback.
"It's disappointing for Colesy, but there is plenty more time in this competition," Hammett said.
"He is 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 and contribution."
Hurricanes – revised: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Alapati Leiua , 13 Conrad Smith (captain), 12 Tim Bateman, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Chris Smylie, 8 Faifili Levave, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Brad Shields, 5 Mark Reddish, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2 Motu Matu'u, 1 Ben Franks.
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Reggie Goodes, 18 James Broadhurst, 19 Karl Lowe, 20 TJ Perenara, 21 Reynold Lee-Lo, 22 Andre Taylor.
Date: Friday, April 19
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT; 15.35 AWST)
Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), Kane McBride (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
