Tanerau Latimer replaces him at openside.
In the two other changes to the starting line-up for the match at the Cake Tin, Pauliasi Manu starts at loosehead prop and Charlie Ngatai returns from a hamstring strain to centre, replacing Save Tokula.
Nick Crosswell returns from injury to the reserves bench as loose forward cover, with Hawkes Bay's Dan Waenga called in as cover for first-five following Gareth Anscombe's broken foot.
It will be the first of five matches against New Zealand opposition for the defending champions.
Chiefs' team to play the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Friday, kick-off 7.35pm is: Robbie Robinson, Lelia Masaga, Charlie Ngatai, Bundee Aki, Aseael Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Matt Vant Leven, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke (c), Ben Afeaki, Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu. Reserves: Mahonri Schwalger, Ben Tameifuna, Michael Fitzgerald, Nick Crosswell, Augustine Pulu, Dan Waenga, Save Tokula.
Hurricanes: Andre Taylor, Alapati Leiua, Reynold Lee-Lo, Tim Bateman, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara; Victor Vito (c), Jack Lam, Faifili Levave, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Ben May, Ash Dixon, Ben Franks. Reserves: Reggie Goodes, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, James Broadhurst, Brad Shields, Chris Smylie, Tusi Pisi, James Marshall.
