KEY POINTS:
Hurricanes rugby coach Colin Cooper has overhauled his backline for the Super 14 match against the Chiefs on Friday.
Cooper was not shy about making changes in light of his side's 15-21 loss to the Reds in Brisbane last Saturday, even if former All Blacks leader Tana Umaga's promotion from the bench to the captaincy was prompted by injury.
The eye injury suffered by skipper Conrad Smith in that game has seen Umaga replace him both as centre and captain for the game in Hamilton on Friday night.
Others changes see Alby Mathewson replace Chris Smylie at halfback and Tamati Ellison named at second five-eighth, pushing Ma'a Nonu to the wing in place of David Smith.
In the forwards, flanker Serge Lilo replaces Nili Latu while prop Tony Penn has been bracketed with John Schwalger, who injured his neck against the Reds.
Hurricanes
Cory Jane, Hosea Gear, Tana Umaga (captain), Tamati Ellison, Ma'a Nonu, Jimmy Gopperth, Alby Mathewson, Thomas Waldrom, Serge Lilo, Luke Andrews, Bernie Upton, Paul Tito, Neemia Tialata, Tone Kopelani, John Schwalger/Tony Penn.
Reserves
Mahonri Schwalger, Tony Penn/Anthony Perenise, Bradley Mika, Hayden Hopgood, Chris Smylie, David Smith, Shannon Paku.
- NZPA
