I quite like the look of the team.... Beat the chiefs by 13+
From NZOOM.
Nonu shifts to the wing
Coach Colin Cooper has named All Black Ma'a Nonu on the wing for the Hurricanes season opener against the Chiefs at Waikato Stadium on Saturday night.
Nonu was moved from centre to the wing to allow room for Auckland recruit Tane Tuipulotu at second-five.
Captain Tana Umaga moves back to his familiar position at centre in his first start since injuring his knee at the World Cup in October.
Riki Flutey is preferred at first-five with David Holwell on the bench.
Hosea Gear, who stood out for North harbour in last season's NPC, is given an opportunity on the right wing, while Andrew Hore makes his return from a year's absence to hooker.
Former All Black Joe McDonnell will be at loosehead prop.
Hurricanes: 1. Joe McDonnell, 2. Andrew Hore, 3. Neemia Tialata, 4. Paul Tito, 5. Luke Andrews, 6. Jerry Collins, 7. Ben Herring, 8. Rodney So'oialo, 9. Jason Spice, 10. Riki Flutey, 11. Ma'a Nonu, 12. Tane Tuipulotu, 13. Tana Umaga (capt.), 14. Hosea Gear, 15. Brent Ward. Reserves: Joe Ward, Tim Fairbrother, Kristian Ormsby, Chris Masoe, Piri Weepu, David Holwell, Shannon Paku.
Source: nzoom
From NZOOM.
Nonu shifts to the wing
Coach Colin Cooper has named All Black Ma'a Nonu on the wing for the Hurricanes season opener against the Chiefs at Waikato Stadium on Saturday night.
Nonu was moved from centre to the wing to allow room for Auckland recruit Tane Tuipulotu at second-five.
Captain Tana Umaga moves back to his familiar position at centre in his first start since injuring his knee at the World Cup in October.
Riki Flutey is preferred at first-five with David Holwell on the bench.
Hosea Gear, who stood out for North harbour in last season's NPC, is given an opportunity on the right wing, while Andrew Hore makes his return from a year's absence to hooker.
Former All Black Joe McDonnell will be at loosehead prop.
Hurricanes: 1. Joe McDonnell, 2. Andrew Hore, 3. Neemia Tialata, 4. Paul Tito, 5. Luke Andrews, 6. Jerry Collins, 7. Ben Herring, 8. Rodney So'oialo, 9. Jason Spice, 10. Riki Flutey, 11. Ma'a Nonu, 12. Tane Tuipulotu, 13. Tana Umaga (capt.), 14. Hosea Gear, 15. Brent Ward. Reserves: Joe Ward, Tim Fairbrother, Kristian Ormsby, Chris Masoe, Piri Weepu, David Holwell, Shannon Paku.
Source: nzoom
