Collins to be rested for Cats game

Coach Colin Cooper has made four changes to last week's winning Hurricanes team for Friday's Super 14 rugby match against the Cats at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.

As expected, Tana Umaga replaces the injured Conrad Smith at midfield, David Holwell comes into Jimmy Gopperth's playmaker's role, Luke Andrews takes over from Jerry Collins at blindside flanker and Joe McDonnell from prop John Schwalger.

Collins is on the bench for what Cooper described as "managing our players and trust in our depth".

For the same reason the well-performed Gopperth drops to the bench for Holwell, 31, who came off the bench against the Blues two weeks ago.

Holwell spent last year playing for Leinster club in Ireland.

"He played in the pre-season as much as Jimmy did," Cooper told NZPA today.

"Likewise Luke played at (No) 6 in the pre-season and this is an opportunity to see how he goes."

Cooper said his team trained well today and apart from All Blacks Smith, his squad were injury-free.

Smith broke both bones in his right leg against the Western Force in New Plymouth last Saturday, and while sad and disappointed for the player, Cooper said he had adequate cover in midield with such players as Umaga, Ma'a Nonu and Tane Tu'ipulotu.

Umaga will be at second five-eighth, allowing Nonu a chance to impress the national selectors in his favourite centre position.

While Nonu's attacking ability is unquestionable, his defence is perceived as a weak point of his game for a top international midfielder.

Hurricanes team:

Isaia Toeava, Lome Fa'atau, Ma'a Nonu, Tana Umaga, Hosea Gear, David Holwell, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo (captain), Chris Masoe, Luke Andrews, Jason Eaton, Paul Tito, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Joe McDonnell. Reserves: Luke Mahoney, Tim Fairbrother, Jerry Collins, Thomas Waldrom, Brendan Haami, Jimmy Gopperth, Shannon Paku.

- NZPA