Cooper on the hunt for new recruits

Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper is already scouring the countryside, trying to find replacements for most of his forward pack who will be on an enforced lay off at the beginning of next season.

The biggest headache for Cooper is to find cover for his loose trio of Jerry Collins, Rodney So'oialo and Chris Masoe, who are among the 22 All Blacks ordered to sit out the first seven weeks of next year's Super 14.

In something of an understatement Cooper says their absence does present a wee bit of a challenge to him and his fellow Hurricanes selectors.

He says there is some experience around and they will look in their own region first before using the draft if they need to.

Meanwhile, in stark contrast to New Zealand's drastic World Cup plans, Australian rugby officials have announced that top-line Wallabies will be rested for just one match in next season's Super 14.

- NEWSTALK ZB