Rugby: Changes for Canterbury

All Blacks commitments and injuries have forced a number of changes in the Canterbury team for an Air NZ Cup rugby match against Bay of Plenty at Mt Maunganui on Saturday.

Coach Rob Penney has had no choice but to make significant alterations to the side who last weekend lifted the Ranfurly Shield off Wellington.

All Blacks Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and Brad Thorn are unavailable as they prepare for next week's Tri-Nations test against South Africa.

Stephen Brett, Ash Parker and Luke Romano take their respective places at first five-eighth, No 8 and lock, respectively.

It will be 20-year-old Parker's first match for Canterbury after he injured a knee in a pre-season match following a very good club season for Burnside.

Lock James Broadhurst suffered a shoulder injury against Wellington and is unavailable, with Sam Whitelock taking his place.

Hooker Corey Flynn, a replacement in Canterbury's last two games against Wellington and Waikato, starts in the No 2 jersey, with Ti'i Paulo on the reserves bench.

Another making his first start of the season after returning from injury is halfback Andy Ellis. He, like Flynn, has played two games as a second-half substitute.

Adam Whitelock starts at centre instead of Tim Bateman, with wing Tu Umaga-Marshall replacing Sean Maitland.

Willi Heinz is on the bench as halfback cover. Tyson Keats, who has been carrying a bicep injury, is not included in the match day squad.

Loose forward Nasi Manu comes into the squad for the first time this season after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Canterbury and All Blacks loose forward Kieran Read is unavailable due to a knee injury picked up in the Bledisloe Cup victory against Australia in Sydney last month.

- NZPA