Rugby: Nonu back for Hurricanes

Ma'a Nonu. Photo / Getty Images

The Hurricanes have made four changes to their starting 15 for Saturday night's Super 15 rugby match against the Blues at Eden Park in Auckland.

Lock Jeremy Thrush returns from a calf injury to replace James Broadhurst, Faifili Levave starts at blindside flanker after a knee injury ruled Serge Lilo out, Aaron Cruden drops to the bench with Daniel Kirkpatrick replacing the fringe All Black at first five-eighth after impressing as a substitute in last week's 29-26 win over the Chiefs, and Ma'a Nonu returns from a one-match suspension to start at second five-eighth ahead of Jayden Hayward.

Not considered for selection because of injury were Piri Weepu (ankle), Karl Lowe (knee), Hosea Gear (shoulder), Lilo, Rodney So'oialo (lower back) and Alapati Leiua (knee).

The match will mark several personal milestones for the Hurricanes, with captain Andrew Hore set to play his 100th Super rugby match, Nonu his 100th match for the Hurricanes, and fullback Cory Jane his 50th match for the Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes team is:

Cory Jane, Julian Savea, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Andre Taylor, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Chris Eaton, Victor Vito, Jack Lam, Faifili Levave, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore (captain), John Schwalger.

Reserves: Dane Coles, Anthony Perenise, James Broadhurst, Mark Reddish, Tyson Keats, Aaron Cruden, Jayden Hayward.

Check tomorrow's New Zealand Herald for a free Rugby World Cup wall planner.

- NZPA