Thorne bracketed for shield defence

Canterbury are hoping their captain Reuben Thorne will return from a calf muscle injury for their NPC first division and Ranfurly Shield rugby match against Taranaki in Christchurch on Saturday.

Coach Aussie McLean today bracketed Thorne and Hayden Hopgood in the No 6 jersey in an otherwise unchanged 22 from that which drew 23-23 with North Harbour last Saturday.

A team spokesperson said Thorne, who missed the Harbour match, would be given until match day to prove his fitness.

* Canterbury:

Ben Blair, Scott Hamilton, Casey Laulala, Joel Iggo, Caleb Ralph, Cameron McIntyre, Jamie Nutbrown, Mose Tuiali'i, Johnny Leo'o, Reuben Thorne (captain)/Hayden Hopgood, Kevin O'Neill, George Naoupu, Campbell Johnstone, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ti'i Paulo, Greg Feek, Hopgood/Craig Clarke, Sam Harding, Andy Ellis, Steven Brett, Vilimoni Delasau.

- NZPA