KEY POINTS:
There's no more excuses for a full-strength Hurricanes whose Super 14 knockout rugby match arrives two months early in Johannesburg on Sunday (NZT).
More by necessity than choice, coach Colin Cooper today rushed all six of his resting All Blacks into his starting team to play the Lions at Ellis Park.
A loss to the eighth-placed Lions, two spots ahead of the Wellington-based side on the points table, and their chances of repeating last year's run to the final are probably history.
"There's a little bit of added pressure for the guys coming back. If we lose this week the season is finished, so it's not an ideal way to come back," flanker Jerry Collins told The Dominion Post.
Collins returns to make up an abrasive all-international loose forward trio, including captain Rodney So'oialo and openside Chris Masoe.
Lock Jason Eaton, hooker Andrew Hore and halfback Piri Weepu also return after sitting out the first seven rounds at the behest of All Blacks management in World Cup year.
The six All Blacks watched the Hurricanes' 14-27 loss to the unbeaten Sharks in Durban last weekend and return at the energy-sapping altitude of Johannesburg with no official matches under their belts.
Intense strength and fitness training with the All Blacks squad, and some contact sessions against local opponents have been their lot.
"We would have liked to have some on the bench and some starting but we're in a position where this team has to front so we have to start them all," Cooper said.
Cooper's minor concern with throwing all six back into the fray was reflected in the makeup of his bench.
He has named five forwards and just two backs -- halfback Chris Smylie and utility Tamati Ellison -- to cover for any mishaps or low petrol among his five internationals in the pack.
It also means no room for first five-eighth Jimmy Gopperth who is fast becoming the forgotten man, with Canterbury rookie Blair Stewart set to start his third straight match in the No 10 jersey.
It's a calculated risk from Cooper, meaning Weepu will cover the roles of No 10 and goalkicker if anything happens to Stewart.
Veteran Tana Umaga (achilles tendon) and props Neemia Tialata (illness) and John Schwalger (ankle) were all passed fit for selection.
Umaga has been nursed through this week but his leadership in the midfield is seen as crucial to the Hurricanes' success.
The return of the All Blacks has the Hurricanes rated warm favourites, as short as $1.40 with some bookmakers, given their opponents' recent fall from grace.
After a slick early start under coach Eugene Eloff, the Lions tumbled to a 7-34 loss to the Chiefs in Hamilton last weekend and had to endure a long flight home.
Eloff has made five changes including two in the front row, while he also sweats on the fitness of tough lock Cobus Grobler who was sorely missed in Hamilton due to a shoulder injury.
Nippy halfback Enrico Januarie returns but fullback Earl Rose is out for three to four months with torn tendons in his shoulder after being smashed by the Blues' Doug Howlett a fortnight ago.
The Lions at least have home advantage as they try to avert a third consecutive loss to a New Zealand side.
"We have something to prove to the New Zealand teams," Eloff said.
Hurricanes: Cory Jane, Lome Fa'atau, Conrad Smith, Tana Umaga, Hosea Gear, Blair Stewart, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo (captain), Chris Masoe, Jerry Collins, Jason Eaton, Paul Tito, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, John Schwalger. Reserves: Mahonri Schwalger, Anthony Perenise, Bradley Mika, Luke Andrews, Serge Lilo, Chris Smylie, Tamati Ellison.
- NZPA
