Rugby: Cooper dumps All Blacks for Bulls clash

Hurricanes halfback Piri Weepu has been dropped to the bench. Photo / Getty Images

Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper has run out of patience with his under-performing Hurricanes, making six changes to their side for a daunting Super 14 rugby match against the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday morning (NZT).

Five of the changes are based on form after the Hurricanes stuttered to slack losses against the Cheetahs and Stormers in South Africa.

Their toughest test is yet to come, against the competition leaders, and the likes of All Blacks Piri Weepu, Scott Waldrom and Bryn Evans have felt the wrath of Cooper, who is clearly disappointed with the drop in standards since three opening wins on home soil.

The only injury-enforced change sees Andre Taylor replace Cory Jane at fullback, with Jane having suffered a head knock in the 37-13 thumping by the Stormers in Cape Town last weekend.

Veteran halfback Weepu - capped 72 times by the franchise - is relegated to the reserves, replaced by Canterbury draft player Tyson Keats, who has impressed off the pine this campaign.

Lock Evans is also on the bench, with his place going to Jeremy Thrush, while openside flanker Scott Waldrom is dropped from the 22 completely - his place assumed by Karl Lowe.

Despite scoring a competition-leading five tries, winger David Smith makes way for rookie Alapati Leiua while John Schwalger returns at loosehead prop in place of Jacob Ellison.

Manawatu flanker Nick Crosswell is the only player to come into the squad, replacing Waldrom as the loose forward cover in the reserves.

Hurricanes
Andre Taylor, Tamati Ellison, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Alapeti Leiua, Willie Ripia, Tyson Keats, Rodney So'oialo, Karl Lowe, Victor Vito, Michael Paterson, Jeremy Thrush, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore (captain), John Schwalger.

Reserves: Dane Coles, Jacob Ellison, Bryn Evans, Nick Crosswell, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, David Smith

- NZPA