The Hurricanes must get used to Super Rugby life without their All Blacks hooker Dane Coles for at least another month.

Coles will miss his third game in row when the competition-leading Hurricanes host the Stormers in Wellington on Friday because of the elbow injury suffered against the Blues in Palmerston North nearly three weeks ago. The 28-year-old was regarded as a chance to return the following week but he then missed wins over the Highlanders and Rebels.

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd says the injury, a hyper-extension, is worse than first thought because of ligament damage although it doesn't require surgery. He will miss at least the next four weeks, meaning the first-choice Test rake won't rejoin the competition until May. Motu Matu'u will continue to start in Coles' place.

"It's tough for Colsey because he wants to really get going this season," Boyd said. "I thought he had played particularly well, but it's a great opportunity for Motu Matu'u to get another four or five games under his belt and stake a claim of his own."

The unbeaten Hurricanes have otherwise named a side close to full strength to take on the eighth-placed South Africans, who are coming off a heavy loss to the Highlanders last weekend.

Flanker Brad Shields says second five-eighth Ma'a Nonu's 150th game will act as a spur. Nonu has enjoyed a strong start to the season and appeared to be relaxed back in his home town of Wellington following stints with the Blues and Highlanders in recent seasons.

"I think the boys are enjoying having his company around and he seems to be enjoying his footy," Shields said. "His experience is rubbing off on a lot of the young boys.

Shields says it doesn't need Nonu to tell his teammates to keep their feet on the ground as they chase a seventh win from seven games. "In the back of your mind you're undefeated but we just turn up taking each game as it comes."