Ring spurs Collins to join 50-game club

Jerry Collins joins a select group of Hurricanes tomorrow when he becomes the 12th to play 50 games for the Super 12 franchise.

When he joined the team in the summer of 2001, he noticed Tana Umaga wore a distinctive ring.

"I asked him, 'What's that for?' and when he told me it was for playing 50 games I said, 'Before I finish my career, I want one of those'."

Five seasons on, Collins will earn his ring when he runs out against the Waratahs.

It will be a special occasion and one he hopes to celebrate with a win - which would be a break from usual.

Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper has named the same side that scored last week's scrappy 28-16 victory over the Chiefs.

He will be looking for improved performance from his forwards, who have been dominated in recent weeks.

After tomorrow's game, the Hurricanes' next four matches are against teams who occupy the top half of the points ladder.

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

- NZPA