Collins returns for 'Canes
May 14 2008
Hurricanes hit man Jerry Collins makes a welcome return to the starting line-up for Friday's all-important match against the Blues at Eden Park.
Collins has missed the last three matches through his damaged ribs, but the hard man of New Zealand rugby has declared himself ready to tackle the Blues for a place in the Super 14 semi-finals.
In-form openside flanker Scott Waldrom drops to the bench, but will no doubt be called on later in the game to provide some much-needed impact.
The only other change to the Hurricanes side that ground out a solid wet-weather win over the Western Force at home last weeekend is in the front row, where one All Black replaces another, John Schwalger coming in to fill the boots of the suspended Neemia Tialata.
Tim Fairbrother remains at tighthhead prop where he will have a tought time dealing with the scrum menace that is Tony Woodcock.
Cooper has left his backline untouched, meaning Willie Ripia continues to get the nod as playmaker ahead of Jimmy Gopperth, and once again there is no place for Shannon Paku with Hosea Gear retaining his spot on the right wing and Tamati Ellison covering the outside backs 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, 7 Chris Masoe, 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Jason Eaton, 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)
Assessor: Stuart Beissel (New Zealand)