Mackintosh has played every game this year but coach Jamie Joseph feels he is in need of a break and is not in the 22 man squad to take on the Hurricanes.
Ma'afu Fia comes into the team at tighthead prop with Chris King moving to the loosehead side. Andrew Hore will captain the team.
Other changes see Adam Thomson on the openside flank with Nick Crosswell wearing the No 6 jersey while Phil Burleigh will start at second five-eighth.
The team is: Ben Smith, Siale Piutau, Tamati Ellison, Phil Burleigh, Hosea Gear, Mike Delany, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu, Adam Thomson, Nick Crosswell, Jarrad Hoeata, Josh Bekhuis, Ma'afu Fia, Andrew Hore (captain), Chris King.
Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Bronson Murray, Culum Retallick, Tim Boys, Jimmy Cowan, Chris Noakes, Kendrick Lynn
