The Hurricanes have a first-round bye and kick off their Super Rugby campaign on Friday night against Moana Pasifika at home.
Love, who has played four tests for the All Blacks, is set to play a vital role for the Hurricanes in their Super Rugby Pacific season and was expected to take the reins at first five-eighths.
They are already without one No 10 for the season as Harry Godfrey has been ruled out for the campaign with an ACL injury, leaving Brett Cameron and Lucas Cashmore as the only fit first five-eighths. Callum Harkin can also fill the void.
During the pre-season, the Hurricanes beat the Blues 44-36, before being held scoreless by the Chiefs, 29-0.