Thorne returns to Canterbury side

Former All Blacks captain Reuben Thorne returns from injury to lead Canterbury in their NPC first division rugby match against Waikato in Christchurch on Saturday.

Thorne has recovered from a calf strain which kept him out of the draw against North Harbour and the win over Northland, and was confirmed in the side today.

Flanker Hayden Hopgood drops the reserves for the match which doubles as a Ranfurly Shield defence.

There are two other changes to the starting side, with prop Wyatt Crockett and hooker Corey Flynn replacing Greg Feek and Tone Kopelani respectively.

Lock Craig Clarke, halfback Andrew Ellis and wing Steven Yates have all retained their starting places after making their 2005 NPC debuts against Northland.

Canterbury team:

Ben Blair, Steven Yates, Casey Laulala, Caleb Ralph, Scott Hamilton, Cameron McIntyre, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, Johnny Leo'o, Reuben Thorne (captain), Kevin O'Neill, Craig Clarke, Campbell Johnstone, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves: Tone Kopelani, Greg Feek, George Naoupu, Hayden Hopgood, Jamie Nutbrown, Steven Brett, Vilimoni Delasau

Waikato team:

Sosene Anesi, Richard Kahui, Keith Lowen, David Hill, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Byron Kelleher, Steven Bates, Marty Holah, Sione Lauaki, Sean Hohneck, Jono Gibbes, Deacon Manu, Scott Linklater, Philemon Toleafoa.

Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Nathan White, Toby Lynn, Liam Messam, Brendon Leonard, Dwayne Sweeney, William Ripia.

- NZPA