Ankle injuries open door for Hurricanes fringe players

Thomas Waldrom and Isaac Boss get their chance for the Hurricanes as ankle injuries have sidelined two All Blacks for tomorrow night's game against the Stormers in Palmerston North.

Rodney So'oialo sprained an ankle early in the second half of last weekend's loss to the Bulls in Wellington, opening the door for Waldrom, who replaced him against the Bulls and holds the spot.

Halfback Piri Weepu injured an ankle in training this week, giving Boss, a late replacement at fullback last week, an opportunity in his usual position.

Open side flanker Ben Herring returns after missing the Bulls match in place of Chris Masoe, while Conrad Smith comes in at centre, pushing Tana Umaga in one slot to second five-eighth.

After winning three games on the bounce on their month-long away trip, the Hurricanes slipped up against the Bulls. But they are still well-placed at fourth on the table.

Their next six games are at home before they finish with an awkward double, away to the Blues and home to the Crusaders.

Coach Colin Cooper was disappointed at the Hurricanes' failure to take more than two of several try-scoring chances in the loss to the Bulls.

"Particularly in this competition where you don't get second chances. We had four or five chances that we didn't take," Cooper said. "I'm hoping there will be a big improvement in creating opportunities, and grabbing them."

The Stormers, despite back-to-back losses, still appear South Africa's best team so far. They have classy operators in the backs and the brilliant Schalk Burger leading the pack.