Gopperth gets nod at first five-eighth

Jimmy Gopperth will hold the reins when the Hurricanes kick off their Super 12 rugby season against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Saturday night.

The 21-year-old rookie -- who has yet to start an NPC game for Wellington -- will start at first five-eighth at Ballymore after Riki Flutey failed a fitness test on his injured ribs.

Coach Colin Cooper said Gopperth had "earned the right to play" after impressive performances in the pre-season matches against the Chiefs, Blues and Brumbies.

He praised Gopperth's increasing ability to control a match and tactical play.

Cooper was upbeat about Gopperth's potential, saying he had proven he was a quick and willing learner who had made significant changes and improvements in his game just in the pre-season.

"We're pleased we decided to go with him back in December. He's come through for us," Cooper said.

Gopperth's rise through the ranks is matched by Paul Tito's return to favour with Cooper conceding the experienced lock was almost dropped after last year's Super 12.

"He was told that and he's come back better prepared than ever, mentally and physically. He's earned his position back."

Cooper said Tito's selection also reinforced the competition for places within the squad.

"This was the hardest team I've had to pick and when you leave a guy like Luke Andrews out of the 22 -- that's good for the Hurricanes to have that sort of depth."

The other significant selection is the midfield, where Ma'a Nonu will partner Tana Umaga, with fellow-All Black Conrad Smith on the bench.

Smith and Umaga started against the Brumbies last week, with Nonu on the wing.

Cooper insisted that remained an option and it probably will be used again during the competition.

Team: Brent Ward, Hosea Gear, Ma'a Nonu, Tana Umaga (captain), Lome Fa'atau, Jimmy Gopperth, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo, Ben Herring, Jerry Collins, Paul Tito, Ross Kennedy, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Joe McDonnell. Reserves: Conrad Smith, Tane Tu'ipulotu, Isaac Boss, Chris Masoe, Kristian Ormsby, Tim Fairbrother, Joe Ward.

- NZPA