McLean picks Jack, drops Thorne to the bench

3.00pm

Canterbury coach Aussie McLean has named All Blacks lock Chris Jack in his NPC rugby team to face Taranaki on Saturday, while dropping former skipper Reuben Thorne to the bench.

Thorne led the All Blacks to 19 wins in 22 tests from 2002-03, but has been replaced by George Naoupu on the blindside flank for the match against the competition front runners in New Plymouth.

Jack makes his 2004 NPC debut and replaces Norm Maxwell in the starting 15.

Also missing from the team that beat Bay of Plenty last Sunday to reclaim the Ranfurly Shield is veteran All Blacks halfback Justin Marshall.

Ben Hurst will start in place of Marshall who has been dropped altogether with Jamie Nutbrown taking the second halfback spot on the reserves bench.

Other changes see Casey Laulala displace Marika Vunibaka on the wing and Campbell Johnstone start at tighthead prop at the expense of Dave Hewett.

Canterbury: Ben Blair, Casey Laulala, Daniel Carter, Aaron Mauger, Caleb Ralph, Andrew Mehrtens, Ben Hurst, Sam Broomhall (captain) Johnny Leo'o, George Naoupu, Chris Jack, Brad Thorn, Campbell Johnstone, Corey Flynn, Greg Somerville. Reserves: Marika Vunibaka, Scott Hamilton, Jamie Nutbrown, Reuben Thorne, Norm Maxwell, Dave Hewett, Ti'i Paulo.

- NZPA

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