Rugby: Cooper sticks with tried and trusted

Hurricanes captain Rodney So'oialo. Photo / Getty Images

The Hurricanes will take a settled starting 15 into their last Super 14 rugby match of the regular season against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Despite looking well short of semifinals material when losing last weekend to the Chiefs, coach Colin Cooper has opted against making any changes to his run-on side.

He has only tinkered with his squad of 22, with flanker Karl Lowe replacing Faifili Levave on the reserves bench.

The goal of the third-placed Hurricanes in Brisbane is simple enough. They need to beat the 13th-placed Reds to confirm their place in the last four.

Hurricanes
Cory Jane, Tamati Ellison, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, David Smith, Willie Ripia, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo (captain), Scott Waldrom, Victor Vito, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, John Schwalger.

Reserves: Ged Robinson, Jacob Ellison, Bryn Evans, Karl Lowe, Alby Mathewson, Jason Kawau, Zac Guildford.

- NZPA