News
'Canes give Gopperth the boot
April 24 2008
Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper has put his faith in a couple of youngsters at the expense of fly-half Jimmy Gopperth who has been dropped for Saturday's crucial Super 14 match against the Cheetahs in Kimberley.
Young pivot Willie Ripia and Hawkes Bay winger Zac Guilford will make their run on debuts for the New Zealanders.
In all there are six changes to the Hurricanes' starting XV that went down to the Stormers 12-20 at Newlands last weekend.
Cooper says Guilford impressed off the bench last week and deserves his chance. He grabbed his opportunity, didn't miss a tackle and got himself involved.
Chris Masoe shifts to the blindside with Scott Waldrom starting in the number seven jersey, and there's a new look front row with Tim Fairbrother starting at tighthead and Neemia Tialata shifting sides to replace John Schwalger.
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 (c), 7 Scott Waldrom, 6 Chris Masoe, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Tim Fairbrother, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Neemia Tialata.
Replacements: 16 Hikawera Elliot, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18 Bernie Upton, 19 Craig Clarke, 20 Brett Goodin, 21 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 22 Tamati Ellison
Date: Saturday, April 26
Venue: Kimberley
Kick-off: 15:00 (14:00 BST, 13:00 GMT)
Referee: Ian Smith (Australia)
Touch judges: Paul Marks (Australia), Marius Jonker (South Africa)
Television match official: Johann Meuwesen (South Africa)