KEY POINTS:
Experienced England-bound flanker Johnny Leo'o has been ruled out of holder Canterbury's Ranfurly Shield rugby defence against Auckland on Saturday night.
Leo'o's rib injury is a significant setback for Canterbury ahead of the clash which also determines which side ends the Air NZ Cup regular season as the top qualifier.
Richie McCaw's provincial understudy damaged ribs against Tasman last Friday and is not likely to be available until the semifinals - providing Canterbury makes it to that stage.
Leo'o loomed as a pivotal cog in a loose trio tasked with combating the all All Black unit fielded by Auckland - Jerome Kaino, Daniel Braid and Troy Flavell.
That daunting assignment now falls to Hayden Hopgood, who has been ever-present this campaign.
Leo'o's absence has been counterbalanced by the return from injury of centre Casey Laulala and halfback Kevin Senio.
They missed the scratchy 21-14 victory in Blenheim and their experience is a welcome development for coach Rob Penney.
"Obviously injury has worked against us in the case of Johnny, but it is a big boost to have Casey and Kevin back on deck for this one," he said.
"Their experience is going to come in handy, both during the preparation and for the match itself."
Laulala, who will play his 50th game for the province, bruised a calf during the 20-13 win over Taranaki on September 13 while Senio (neck) was sidelined after the successful Shield defence against Hawke's Bay in round seven.
Laulala's availability sees Rico Gear return to the wing, after having filled in at centre against Tasman. Steven Yates drops to the bench.
Another positional switch sees props Campbell Johnstone and Ben Franks swap sides, with Johnstone reverting to his regular tighthead role after having started at loosehead against the Makos.
Mikaele Tuu'u comes onto the bench as skipper and hooker Corey Flynn's back up.
The other alteration to last week's bench sees James Broadhurst promoted from the Canterbury Colts to cover lock/loose forward for what will be his maiden first glass match should he see game time.
While Canterbury have been forced to work hard away from home in the last two weeks, and failed to bag a try-scoring bonus point against either Taranaki or Tasman, Penney believed the pressure his side has been under will be invaluable preparation for the Auckland visit.
"Both Taranaki and Tasman really came at us, but Auckland will too, so the guys have been put under pressure and had to respond to it and retain their composure under fire," he said.
"Hopefully those experiences will stand us in good stead when added to the confidence that was gained earlier in the campaign from the wins over Wellington and Waikato especially."
CANTERBURY
Scott Hamilton, Rico Gear, Casey Laulala, Hamish Gard, Paul Williams, Stephen Brett, Kevin Senio, Mose Tuiali'i, Hayden Hopgood, Kieran Read, Kevin O'Neill, Michael Paterson, Campbell Johnstone Corey Flynn (captain), Ben Franks.
Reserves: Mikaele Tuu'u, Mike Smith, Isaac Ross, James Broadhurst, Tyson Keats, Ben Nowell, Steven Yates.
- NZPA
