diff --git a/tasks/configure_metal_hosts.yml b/tasks/configure_metal_hosts.yml
index d54c615e..36ea35e6 100644
--- a/tasks/configure_metal_hosts.yml
+++ b/tasks/configure_metal_hosts.yml
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
       [ {{ ansible_kernel }} < {{ openstack_host_required_kernel }} ]
       Resolve this issue before continuing.
   when:
-    - ansible_kernel | version_compare(openstack_host_required_kernel, '<')
+    - ansible_kernel is version_compare(openstack_host_required_kernel, '<')
 
 - name: Install distro packages for bare metal nodes
   package: