News

Hurricanes wait on So'oialo

May 22 2008

Only Rodney So'oialo's rib injury will force a change to the Hurricanes line-up for Saturday's Super 14 semi-final against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Coach Colin Cooper retained last week's run-on line-up, with All Blacks prop Neemia Tialata named on the bench after serving out a one-match suspension.

Tim Fairbrother and John Schwalger have retained the propping berths after strong performances against the Blues.

Though So'oialo was named in the starting XV, Cooper will start with Chris Masoe at number eight if So'oialo is ruled out and Scott Waldrom will slot in at openside flanker, with Jerry Collins at blindside.

Tialata's availability means there's no place for Jacob Ellison on the bench.

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/Chris Masoe, 7 Masoe/Scott Waldrom, 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Tim Fairbrother, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 John Schwalger.

Replacements: 16 Hikawera Elliot, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Craig Clarke, 19 Scott Waldrom/Thomas Waldrom, 20 Alby Mathewson, 21 Jimmy Gopperth, 22 Tamati Ellison.

Date: Saturday, May 24

Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Kick-off: 19:35 (08:35 GMT)

Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)

Touch Judges: Matt Goddard, Paul Marks (Australia)

TMO: Geoff Acton (Australia)