Rugby: Nonu returns, Weepu on the bench

Ma'a Nonu. Photo / Getty Images

All Blacks second five-eighth Ma'a Nonu returns to the Hurricanes starting lineup to face the Highlanders in a Super 15 rugby match in Invercargill on Friday night.

Nonu, who has been sidelined since fracturing his eye socket in the 40-24 loss to the Sharks three weeks ago, slots in outside Aaron Cruden with Daniel Kirkpatrick dropping out of the side.

In the only other change to the Hurricanes, Piri Weepu will make his return to Super rugby from the bench with the All Blacks halfback set for his first top level action since breaking his leg in the national provincial championship last year.

He takes the place of Tyson Keats who was banned for four weeks on Monday after a dangerous tackle of Blues halfback Alby Mathewson.

Hurricanes: Andre Taylor, Alapati Leiua, Jayden Hayward, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Aaron Cruden, Chris Eaton, Victor Vito, Jack Lam, Faifili Levave, James Broadhurst, Jason Eaton, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore (captain), John Schwalger. Reserves: Dane Coles, Anthony Perenise, Jeremy Thrush, Mark Reddish, Piri Weepu, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett.

- NZPA