Rugby: No room for Vince Aso in Hurricanes squad to face Lions

Vince Aso scored twice against the Sunwolves last week. Photo / Getty Images

One week removed from scoring a crucial double in the Hurricanes' win over the Sunwolves, midfielder Vince Aso has found himself on the outside looking in.

With Ngani Laumape returning to the side for their clash against the Lions this week, coach Chris Boyd was unable to find a spot for Aso in the 23-man squad.

The in-form midfielder was among the team's try-scoring leaders so far this year, behind only Ben Lam. However, with Nehe Milner-Skudder returning last week and holding his spot on the bench, Aso will get the week off.

However, Boyd stressed that Aso would be right back in the mix as the Hurricanes negotiate a difficult few weeks before the international playing window.

In the forwards, Ben May is replaced by Jeff Toomaga-Allen in the starting 15, while the loose forwards get a fresh look as Gareth Evans replaced Reed Prinsep, and Vaea Fifita returns from injury.

On the bench, Ihaia West replaces Jackson Garden-Bachop.

The Wellington-club will go into Saturday's night match at Westpac Stadium chasing the Crusaders on the table.

Heading into week 12 of the competition, just one point separated the two sides at the top of the New Zealand conference.

Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Julian Savea, Matt Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie, Gareth Evans, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields (c), Michael Fatialofa, Vaea Fifita, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Ricky Riccitelli, Toby Smith. Reserves: James O'Reilly, Chris Eves, Ben May, Sam Lousi, Reed Prinsep, Jamie Booth, Ihaia West, Nehe Milner-Skudder.

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