Rugby: Hurricanes unchanged for semi

Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper has stuck with the side that beat the Reds in Brisbane last week. Photo / Getty Images

The Hurricanes are cemented in stone for another week, with coach Colin Cooper today unveiling an unchanged team to face the Chiefs in Friday's Super 14 rugby semifinal.

An identical starting 15 and reserve bench will line out at Hamilton's Waikato Stadium to the one who beat the Queensland Reds 37-28 in Brisbane last weekend.

There is only one change from the side who lost 16-8 to the Chiefs in Hamilton in round 13, with flanker Karl Lowe occupying the reserve bench seat which was Faifili Levave's.

Openside flanker Scott Waldrom didn't train yesterday because of a foot niggle but has been named to start.

There is still no place for All Blacks winger Hosea Gear, despite his return to full fitness after suffering a mid-season knee injury.

Cooper spoke this week of the importance of momentum through consistent selection at the end of the season after employing a rotation method through the bulk of the campaign.

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