Victor Vito's planned return for the Hurricanes this weekend has been cut short after the All Blacks flanker was ruled out with a calf injury.
It's the same complaint that saw him miss last weekend's disappointing 47-38 defeat to the Cheetahs but his absence has caused concern for coach Mark Hammett given Vito's replacement, Brad Shields (shoulder) is also out.
Lock Jason Eaton returns from injury to face the Sharks in New Plymouth on Friday - he pulled out of the Cheetahs match on the day of the game with a back injury.
Tusi Pisi will also make his Hurricanes debut as Hammett attempts to find the formula to beat the Sharks. Pisi recently landed in the capital after playing in Japan and the former North Harbour first five-eighths has taken Daniel Kirkpatrick's place on the bench.
Ben May and Tim Bateman also come back into the starting line-up after a week off.
The Sharks come into the match on the back of their 29-26 defeat of the Brumbies in Canberra last weekend.