Rugby: ABs bolster Canterbury Shield defence

Brad Thorn returns for Canterbury this weekend. Photo / Getty Images

Canterbury has been bolstered by the return of All Blacks Owen Franks and Brad Thorn for their first Ranfurly Shield defence against Counties-Manukau in Christchurch on Saturday.

Prop Franks replaces Peter Borlase, who has a shoulder injury, and lock Thorn comes in for Luke Romano, who injured a knee in the 26-16 victory over Southland in Invercargill last weekend.

It is a timely return for Franks and Thorn. Franks has played one game for Canterbury this season - the 28-9 victory over Bay of Plenty on September 3, but it will be Thorn's first match for Canterbury in 2010.

In another change, Sam Whitelock, who played at blindside flanker against Southland, is unavailable due to All Blacks commitments and is replaced by Ash Parker.

The back line is unchanged from last weekend.

It will be Counties-Manukau's second Shield challenge of the season after they went close to defeating Southland in round three, and Canterbury are preparing for a tough challenge from the Tana Umaga-led side.

Canterbury head coach Rob Penney said his team would need a top defensive effort.

"Counties have a lot of firepower in their backs and they've proven to be very effective broken-field runners this season," Penney said.

"Our defence will have to be top-drawer this Saturday, just as it was against Southland."

One match-up of note is Canterbury wing Tu Umaga-Marshall up against his uncle Tana.

Corey Flynn (calf), Peter Borlase (shoulder), Luke Romano (knee), George Whitelock (knee), Adam Whitelock (concussion) are unavailable due to injury.

Canterbury:
Sean Maitland, Tu Umaga-Marshall, Robbie Fruean, Sonny Bill Williams, Telusa Veainu, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis (captain), Nasi Manu, Matt Todd, Ash Parker, Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Steve Fualau, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves: Paul Ngauamo, Andrew Olorenshaw, Rob Verbakel, Brendon O'Connor, Willi Heinz, Stephen Brett,Ryan Crotty.