Canes make changes, but no Weepu

28 Apr 2011

PIRI WEEPU said he was ready to play this Saturday if need be, but Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett thought otherwise.

Hammett has named a patched-up side for the clash against the high-flying Reds in Wellington, but has opted to leave the All Blacks halfback out of his playing 22.

Weepu returned from an ankle injury two weeks ago, playing a couple of games for Wainuiomata and one for the Hurricanes development team.

While short on match fitness and conditioning, he was expected to at least feature on the bench for the match against the high-flying Queenslanders at Westpac Stadium.

But Hammett has decided not to play him, with Weepu likely to turn out for Wainuiomata in Wellington’s Swindale Shield competition.

Injuries to Serge Lilo (ankle), Conrad Smith (broken nose), Ma’a Nonu (fractured eye socket) and Cory Jane (hamstring) has really stretched the team’s resources.

Aaron Cruden has recovered from an Achilles strain and will take his place at first five and Chris Eaton gets the nod ahead of Tyson Keats at halfback.

There will be a new-look midfield, with Charlie Ngatai handed a rare start. He will be partnered by centre Jayden Hayward.

Andre Taylor slots in at fullback for Jane.

In the pack, Jason Eaton replaces Jeremy Thrush at lock and flanker Faifili Levave comes in for Lilo.

Wider training group player Scott Fuglistaller has been called in as cover for Lilo.

The match also doubles as hooker and captain Andrew Hore’s 100th match for the franchise.

Hurricanes
1 John Schwalger
2 Andrew Hore (c)
3 Neemia Tialata
4 Jason Eaton
5 James Broadhurst
6 Faifili Levave
7 Jack Lam
8 Victor Vito
9 Chris Eaton
10 Aaron Cruden
11 Hosea Gear
12 Charlie Ngatai
13 Jayden Hayward
14 Alapati Leiua
15 Andre Taylor
Replacements
16 Dane Coles
17 Anthony Perenise
18 Jeremy Thrush
19 Mark Reddish
20 Tyson Keats
21 Julian Savea
22 Beauden Barrett