Rugby: Hurricanes name side to face Chiefs

Conrad Smith. Photo / Getty Images

The Hurricanes have named their starting XV to face the Chiefs in Wellington Saturday night.

Ma'a Nonu misses the match through suspension for a late tackle he made on Highlanders' halfback Jimmy Cowan in their opening match.

Jayden Hayward instead will play second five-eighth with All Black Conrad Smith playing outside him at centre.

Hayward's inclusion is one of five changes to the side that played in week one.

Andre Taylor replaces Hosea Gear on the wing, Chris Eaton takes over the halfback position for Tyson Keats while Serge Lilo and Neemia Tialata join the forwards in place of Mark Reddish and Michael Bent.

The Hurricanes remain winless after losing their opening match to the Highlanders followed by two weeks off after having their round two match against the Crusaders cancelled and then a bye last week.

Meanwhile the Chiefs have made just one change to their side.

Tim Nanai-Williams replaces the injured Mils Muliaina at fullback in the sole change to the side that started against the Rebels last week.

In Muliaina's absence, Liam Messam assumes the captaincy.

There's two changes on the bench with loose forward Fritz Lee returning after three weeks out with a leg injury and midfielder Jackson Willison included due to Nanai-Williams elevation.

Tana Umaga has been confirmed at second five to make his first appearance against the franchise he played 122 Super Rugby games for.

Hurricanes: Cory Jane, Julian Savea, Conrad Smith, Jayden Hayward, Andre Taylor, Aaron Cruden, Chris Eaton, Victor Vito, Serge Lilo, Jack Lam, Jason Eaton, James Broadhurst, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore (captain), John Schwalger. Reserves: Dane Coles, Anthony Perenise, Mark Reddish, Faifili Levave, Tyson Keats, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Charlie Ngatai.

Chiefs: Tim Nanai-Williams, Lelia Masaga, Dwayne Sweeney, Tana Umaga, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard, Liam Messam (captain), Tanerau Latimer, Scott Waldrom, Isaac Ross, Craig Clarke, Nathan White, Aled de Malmanche, Ben May. Reserves: Hika Elliot, Sona Taumalolo, Romana Graham, Fritz Lee, Taniela Moa, Mike Delany, Jackson Willison.

- NZHERALD ONLINE/NEWSTALK ZB