More hamstring prolems rule Umaga out for Hurricanes

1.00pm

Tana Umaga has not been named in the Hurricanes team to take on the Blues in Wellington on Friday.

The All Black centre had trained fully on Monday but sat out yesterday's session with more hamstring problems and was left out of the playing squad announced today.

However, All Black squad member Rodney So'oialo will be back at No 8 for the first time since injuring his foot in the Super 12's opening round.

Jerry Collins, playing as blindside flanker, will again captain the side in Umaga's absence.

Meanwhile, Slade McFarland has beaten out Bay of Plenty's Aleki Lutui for a call up to the Crusaders squad.

The two hookers both underwent fitness testing yesterday as the Crusaders searched for cover for the injured Corey Flynn and Mark Hammett, with McFarland getting the nod.

The North Harbour and New Zealand Maori veteran was also called into the Crusaders to cover for injury in both 2000 and last season.

The Hurricanes starting line-up to play the Blues are: Brent Ward, Shannon Paku, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Tane Tuipulotu, David Holwell, Jason Spice, Rodney So'oialo, Ben Herring, Luke Andrews, Paul Tito, Jerry Collins (Captain), Tim Fairbrother, Andrew Hore, Joe McDonnell.

The reserves are: Joe Ward, Neemia Tialata, Ross Kennedy, Chris Masoe, Piri Weepu, Riki Flutey, Roy Kinikinilau.

- NZPA and Newstalk ZB