No Collins or Gopperth for 'Canes
Wed, 07 May 2008 16:19
The Hurricanes will again have to do without All Blacks flank Jerry Collins, while Willie Ripia has retained his place at flyhalf ahead of Jimmy Gopperth for their Super 14 Round 13 encounter with the Western Force in Wellington on Friday.
'Canes coach Colin Cooper has made just three changes to his starting XV for the game at the Westpac Stadium.
Ripia has retained his place at No.10 in a backline that features the expected return of All Black centre Conrad Smith. Gopperth will hope for a run off the bench to gain his 50th cap.
Hosea Gear replaces Shannon Paku on the wing and All Blacks prop Neemia Tialata is back after a throat injury and will pack down at loosehead in place of John Schwalger.
The Canes have also decided not to risk Collins, who will be sidelined for the third successive week with a niggling rib injury.
They have managed to cover his absence effectively with Chris Masoe shifting to blindside flank and Scott Waldrom stepping up to the demanding openside duties - with captain Rodney So'oialo at No.8.
Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Hosea Gear, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Rodney So'oialo (captain), 7 Scott Waldrom, 6 Chris Masoe, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Tim Fairbrother, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Neemia Tialata.
Replacements: 16 Hikawera Elliott, 17 John Schwalger, 18 Craig Clarke, 19 Thomas Waldrom, 20 Alby Mathewson, 21 Jimmy Gopperth, 22 Tamati Ellison.
Date: Friday, May 9
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Touch judges: Marius Jonker (South Africa), Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
TMO: Gareth Williamson (New Zealand)
