Cooper sticks with unchanged Hurricanes side

Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper has named an unchanged side from last week to tackle the Waratahs in Sunday's Super 12 rugby match here at Westpac Stadium.

The Hurricanes, who are four points behind the table-topping Waratahs in second place, have also kept the same reserves from last week's scrappy 28-16 victory over the Chiefs.

Cooper will be looking for an improved performance from his forwards who have been dominated in recent weeks as the Hurricanes enter a tough second half of the competition.

Following Sunday's game, their next four matches are against teams who currently occupy the top half of the points ladder.

The Waratahs will be looking to rectify last Saturday's 27-33 loss to the Crusaders -- their first of the season, as controversial lock Justin Harrison returns after serving a three-match ban for racially abusing a Cats player.

The game starts at 2.35pm.

Hurricanes: Shannon Paku, Lome Fa'atau, Conrad Smith, Tana Umaga (captain), Ma'a Nonu, Jimmy Gopperth, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo, Ben Herring, Jerry Collins, Luke Andrews, Ross Kennedy, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Joe McDonnell.

Reserves: Hosea Gear, Tane Tu'ipulotu, Issac Boss, Chris Masoe, Kristian Ormsby, Tim Fairbrother, Joe Ward.

- NZPA