Collins back to banish the Blues
Wed, 14 May 2008 10:59
The Hurricanes have made two changes to the team to face the Blues in the final Super 14 round-robin match at Eden Park on Friday.
Jerry Collins returns at flank after recovering from injury and replaces Scott Waldrom, who moves to the bench.
The second enforced change sees suspended All Black prop Neemia Tialata replaced by John Schwalger in the front row.
Collins' inclusion was a welcome bonus for Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper, who was happy to have his All Black flank back in the fold.
"Jerry's obviously got the experience that you can't ignore and brings a real physical presence," Cooper told NZPA.
The match promises to be a huge battle, as both the 'Canes and the Blues have wildly differing chances to make the play-offs.
The Hurricanes are currently in second spot on the log, but if they lose on Friday, they could well be overtaken by a whole clutch of teams, depending on results.
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 Chris Masoe, 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Jason Easton, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Tim Fairbrother, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 John Schwalger.
Replacements: 16 Hikawera Elliot, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18 Craig Clarke, 19 Scott Waldrom, 20 Alby Mathewson, 21 Jimmy Gopperth, 22 Tamati Ellison.
Date: Friday, May 16
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
Touch judges: Jonathon White (New Zealand), Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
Television match official: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
