Victor Vito's experience has been reinstated to the back of the Hurricanes' scrum in coach Mark Hammett's only change in the side to play the Crusaders.

Vito has been playing at blindside flanker, which also represents his best bet of cracking the All Blacks starting side on a regular basis.

But after two straight losses, Vito reverts to No 8 in a straight swap with youngster Brad Shields, who will wear the six jersey at Westpac Stadium on Friday night.

It sets up an enticing battle between Vito and the world's best in that position, Crusaders captain Kieran Read.

The game will be the 50th Super Rugby match in Hurricanes colours for Vito and All Blacks' team-mate Dane Coles.

"These guys are proud Hurricanes and should enjoy the occasion as reaching your 50th cap is no small feat," Hammett said.

"Both Colesy and Vic have worked extremely hard to get there and that's why they have also achieved higher honours with the All Blacks. They know there is a job at hand, and being the kind of guys they are, that will be their only focus on Friday night."

Coles made his debut against the Waratahs in 2009, scoring a try in a 26-22 loss.

And Vito made his first start a week later in a 22-17 win against the Highlanders.

Ben May comes onto the bench where Motu Matu'u and Ash Dixon have been bracketed.

Still injured are Jack Lam (knee), Eric Sione (shoulder) and Blade Thomson (ankle).

Hurricanes: Andre Taylor, Alapati Leiua, Conrad Smith (c), Tim Bateman, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Karl Lowe, Brad Shields, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Dane Coles, Ben Franks. Reserves: Motu Matu'u/Ash Dixon, Ben May, James Broadhurst, Faifili Levave, Chris Smylie, James Marshall, Reynold Lee-Lo

- © Fairfax NZ News