Wellington, Feb 18 NZPA - Hurricanes lock Jason Eaton has been stood down for disciplinary reasons and will miss Saturday's Super 14 rugby match against the Western Force in Wellington.

The All Blacks forward breached team protocol although Hurricanes management will not comment on the breach, describing it as an employment issue. A team statement simply said Eaton was not considered for this Saturday's game.

Eaton is one of three players missing from the starting 15 who beat the Blues 34-20 at Albany in the tournament opener last weekend.

The others missing are dropped flanker Nick Crosswell and injured winger Hosea Gear, who is ruled out for 4-6 weeks because of a knee cruciate ligament tear which was operated on this morning.

Michael Paterson, who started at lock last week, takes Crosswell's place on the blindside flank, meaning two new starting locks are introduced -- Bryn Evans and James Broadhurst.

Gear's place on the left wing is taken by David Smith.

A newcomer to the reserve bench is veteran All Blacks No 8 Rodney So'oialo, who missed last week while undergoing a weight-gain regime.