Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper has tinkered with his team to face the Super 14’s lowest placed team, the Lions.
Last week the Hurricanes beat the Cheetahs 38-10 which kept their semifinal hopes alive but another big performance against the Lions is called for.
The match is a must win clash for the Hurricanes so Cooper has kept the loose forward combination of Rodney So’oialo, Scott Waldrom and Chris Masoe.
All Black blind side flanker Jerry Collins is still out with rib injuries that forced him to return early from South Africa.
The only change to the run-on forwards comes in the front row with prop John Schwalger starting in place of Neemia Tialata.
In the back line Shannon Paku comes in for Hosea Gear on the right wing while Tane Tu’ipulotu starts in Conrad Smith’s place as he has been bumped to the bench.
Ma’a Nonu retains his place while the 18 year old Zac Guildford who scored a try against the Cheetahs last week get his second consecutive start.
Jimmy Gopperth will warm the bench as Willie Ripia keeps the the No 10 jersey for the second game running.
Reserves: 16 Hikawera Elliot, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18 Craig Clarke, 19 Thomas Waldrom, 20 Alby Mathewson, 21 Jimmy Gopperth, 22 Conrad Smith.
