KEY POINTS:
Former All Blacks hooker Corey Flynn returns to Air NZ Cup rugby action for the first time this season on Thursday.
Flynn has been named on Canterbury's reserves bench for the match against Bay of Plenty in Christchurch.
It marks his first appearance of the competition, after he was sidelined in May with a broken arm.
His inclusion is one of a number of personnel changes made by Canterbury coach Rob Penney.
First five-eighth Colin Slade has been moved to fullback, replacing the injured Paul Williams, and allowing Stephen Brett to slot into at No 10 after Brett appeared for the first time off the bench last week.
Tim Bateman moves from second five-eighth to centre, with Adam Whitelock moving to the bench, while Hamish Gard will wear the No 12 jersey.
Sean Maitland has been named on the left wing, replacing James Paterson, while halfback Andrew Ellis gets his first start of the season following his return to action from the bench against Northland last weekend.
He comes in for Steve Alfeld, with Tyson Keats coming on to the bench as halfback cover.
Flanker Kieran Read, who will captain the side, comes in for Hayden Hopgood at blindside flanker.
Bay of Plenty are currently in third place, four points behind second-placed Canterbury.
Canterbury
Colin Slade, Scott Hamilton, Tim Bateman, Hamish Gard, Sean Maitland, Stephen Brett, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, George Whitelock, Kieran Read (captain), Isaac Ross, Michael Paterson, Owen Franks, Ti'i Paulo, Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: Corey Flynn, Peter Borlase, James Broadhurst, Hayden Hopgood, Tyson Keats, Adam Whitelock, James Paterson.
- NZPA
