Piri Weepu has been axed from the Hurricanes starting line-up to face the Bulls in Pretoria this Saturday.
The 26-year-old halfback is one of six changes coach Colin Cooper has made to the side that lost 13-37 to the Stormers last week and is replaced by Tyson Keats.
"We think that he has performed pretty good on and off the field and we get the experience of Piri to come on later in the game. You can take out of that what you like," Cooper said of Keats' promotion.
"We feel Keats is going to suit our game plan and Piri is going to bring experience off the bench."
Keats admitted his elevation had been a bit of a surprise.
"To be honest I didn't think I'd be starting against the Bulls," the Canterbury halfback said.
"I just go about my work and try my best each week and leave it up to the coaches. I'm a little bit surprised but it's a great opportunity for me."
After the lacklustre display against the Stormers Cooper warned his senior players were in the firing line and has stuck to his word.
Also missing out are openside flanker Scott Waldrom, who does not even make the 22, lock Bryn Evans, wing David Smith and prop Jacob Ellison, while injured Cory Jane has returned to New Zealand.
Andre Taylor slots in at fullback, Alipati Leiua replaces Smith on the left wing, Jeremy Thrush gets his first start in the second row after returning from shoulder surgery and John Schwalger is back at loosehead prop.
On the bench Nick Crosswell is loose forward cover with Cooper preferring his size against the big Bulls pack.
"We weren't happy. I guess you've got to send messages to players and hopefully there will be a good result from the players that come off the bench," said Cooper, who conceded it had been a tough call on Ellison.
"He played well [against the Stormers] and can count himself unlucky. He brings a lot off the bench."
Discipline, or the lack of it, has also hampered the Hurricanes in recent weeks and Cooper has made it clear that has to change at Loftus Versfeld. "I think the changes help us emphasise that," he added.
Salvaging something from the three-game tour of South Africa is crucial for the Hurricanes who return home to face the Sharks and Crusaders before the bye in week nine.
"Every game you've got to be on your best and I don't think we have been," admitted Cooper.
"When you make changes it puts everybody on edge. It's very important this game. Our whole focus has been on the Bulls."
Hurricanes: 1.John Schwalger, 2.Andrew Hore (capt), 3.Neemia Tialata, 4.Jeremy Thrush, 5.Michael Paterson, 6.Victor Vito, 7.Karl Lowe, 8.Rodney So'oialo, 9.Tyson Keats, 10.Willie Ripia, 11.Alipati Leiua, 12.Ma'a Nonu, 13.Conrad Smith, 14.Tamati Ellison, 15.Andre Taylor.
Replacements: 16.Dane Coles, 17.Jacob Ellison, 18.Bryn Evans, 19.Nick Crosswell, 20.Piri Weepu, 21.Aaron Cruden, 22.David Smith.