Two changes to Canterbury team

Two starting changes have been confirmed for Canterbury's Air New Zealand Cup rugby quarterfinal against Wellington in the capital on Friday night.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw returns after a rest period and injured hooker Corey Flynn is replaced by Tone Kopelani.

Meanwhile, centre Casey Laulala has been bracketed and could be covered by Caleb Ralph if needed.

Laulala suffered a knock to the head in a clash with Joe Rokocoko in his team's win against Auckland last weekend.

Leon MacDonald and Paul Williams have also been bracketed at fullback and winger Stephen Yates has been bracketed as another option in the backs.

Friday night's match will be McCaw's 28th for Canterbury since his debut as a substitute against North Harbour in 2001.

There are four changes with two pending to the Canterbury team that ran out against Wellington and lost 24-26 last month.

They include Aaron Mauger, Daniel Carter, McCaw and Kopelani.

Canterbury:

Leon MacDonald/Paul Williams, Scott Hamilton, Casey Laulala/Caleb Ralph, Aaron Mauger (captain), Caleb Ralph/Stephen Yates, Daniel Carter, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i , Richard McCaw, Kieran Read, Kevin O'Neill, Craig Clarke, Campbell Johnstone, Tone Kopelani, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves:

Stephen Yates/Paul Williams/Tim Bateman, Cameron McIntyre, Kevin Senio, Ti'i Paulo, Ben Franks, Michael Paterson , Hayden Hopgood.

- NZPA