The Hurricanes have made three changes from the starting XV which beat the Highlanders as they prepare to face the Rebels at Melbourne's AAMI Park in Friday night's Investec Super Rugby match.

Lock Vaea Fifita has recovered from a minor shoulder injury after he missed the Highlanders match and has replaced Murray Douglas in the second row.

There will be a Hurricanes debut for openside flanker Sam Henwood who replaces Ardie Savea who was not considered due to a rib injury.

Henwood, 26, has previously played for Auckland, Counties Manukau and the Chiefs in 2016.

The last of the changes is in the midfield where Matt Proctor is also recovering from a rib injury and has been replaced by Vince Aso at centre.

Aso made a real impact off the bench in the 29-12 win over the Highlanders that lifted the Hurricanes to second on the New Zealand conference, just a point behind the Crusaders who have played one more game.

Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd has made a further two changes on the bench with halfback Jamie Booth coming in for Richard Judd while Wes Goosen takes Aso's spot after recovering from an ankle injury he suffered against the Bulls in Pretoria.

Friday night's match, which kicks off at 9.45pm (NZ time), will be the first time the Hurricanes have faced Australian opposition in 2018 after back-to-back wins over New Zealand sides.

The Hurricanes squad to face the Rebels is:

15 Jordie Barrett
14 Julian Savea
13 Vince Aso
12 Ngani Laumape
11 Ben Lam
10 Beauden Barrett
9 TJ Perenara
8 Gareth Evans
7 Sam Henwood
6 Brad Shields (c)
5 Sam Lousi
4 Vaea Fifita
3 Ben May
2 Ricky Riccitelli
1 Chris Eves

Reserves

16 Asafo Aumua
17 Fraser Armstrong
18 Jeff Toomaga-Allen
19 Michael Fatialofa
20 Reed Prinsep
21 Jamie Booth
22 Ihaia West
23 Wes Goosen