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Smith, Ellison bolster Canes

Smith, Ellison bolster Canes

03/11/2010 01:08:30 AM

Conrad Smith and Tamati Ellison have been rushed straight back into the Hurricanes back line for Sunday morning’s Super 14 game against the Stormers.

The pair only arrived in Cape Town at the start of the week after injuries kept them in Wellington for the opening week of the Hurricanes' tour of South Africa.

But coach Colin Cooper has had no hesitation in rushing his All Blacks duo back in at centre and right wing respectively as the Hurricanes look shake off a poor performance against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

In all Cooper has made five changes to the side that lost 28-12.

In the pack John Schwalger has paid the price for the scrum problems last week and has been replaced by Jacob Ellison, who gets his first start of the campaign.
Karl Lowe, who gave several penalties at the breakdown, makes way for Scott Waldrom.

The other change in the back line sees the more experienced Willie Ripia return at first five-eighths after Aaron Cruden struggled in his first Super 14 start.

Ripia provided greater direction for his team when he came on for the last half-hour against the Cheetahs and his goal kicking will be another important factor against the Stormers after Piri Weepu's off-day in Bloemfontein.

Cruden, up-and-comer Alipati Leiua and Schwalger all drop to the reserves with Andre Taylor and Brett Mather, who was on the bench but did not feature against the Cheetahs, dropping out all together.

The Stormers will head into the match full of confidence after keeping the Highlanders scoreless last weekend.

They have the meanest defence in the competition, having conceded just 38 points in four rounds.

Hurricanes: 1.Jacob Ellison, 2.Andrew Hore (capt), 3.Neemia Tialata, 4.Bryn Evans, 5.Michael Paterson, 6.Victor Vito, 7.Scott Waldrom, 8.Rodney So’oialo, 9.Piri Weepu, 10.Willie Ripia, 11.David Smith, 12.Ma’a Nonu, 13.Conrad Smith, 14.Tamati Ellison, 15.Cory Jane. Reserves: 16.Dane Coles, 17.John Schwalger, 18.Jeremy Thrush, 19.Karl Lowe, 20.Tyson Keats, 21.Aaron Cruden, 22.Alapati Leiua.

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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