Aso was initially named in the squad to face the Blues, but was replaced by 54-match All Black Julian Savea on the wing.
The switch was a prime example of how nice it must be to have a squad as deep as the Hurricanes' this season.
Jordie Barrett, who was a late withdrawal against the Lions, has recovered well enough from an ankle injury to take a spot on the bench, with his usual No.15 jersey being donned by 11-match All Black Nehe Milner-Skudder.
Barrett is joined on the bench by halfback TJ Perenara, who also makes a return from injury this week. Perenara hasn't played since sustaining a knee injury during the Hurricanes' remarkable comeback win over the Sharks in Napier early last month.
"His attention to detail on his rehab and stuff is just phenomenal," Boyd said of Perenara. "He's a quick healer and makes sure his accuracy around his rehab is spot on."
Finlay Christie, who had been a solid placeholder in the No.9 jersey, will remain in the starting squad with Perenara being eased back in, although Boyd said Perenara "probably, at a pinch, could have played last weekend".
Blade Thompson will also return from injury from the bench for just his fourth appearance of the season.
"It's been a long road for Blade. By his own high standards, he hasn't been able to realise the potential that he has and it's been another frustrating injury for him," Boyd said. "He's ready to go, and we've given him a chance off the bench."
Hurricanes: Nehe Milner-Skudder, Julian Savea, Matt Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie, Gareth Evans, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields (c), Sam Lousi, Vaea Fifita, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Ricky Riccitelli, Toby Smith.
Reserves: James O'Reilly, Chris Eves, Ben May, Michael Fatialofa, Blade Thompson, TJ Perenara, Ihaia West, Jordie Barrett.
