Taranaki's Mafi replaces Conrad Smith

Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper has called Taranaki midfielder, Lifeimi Mafi, into his Super 14 rugby squad as replacement for injured star centre Conrad Smith.

Mafi, 23, a member of the Hurricanes' wider training group, has also played for the New Zealand Sevens team in recent seasons.

All Black Smith's Super 14 season ended on Saturday when he broke the tibia and fibula bones on his right leg in a tackle from behind early in the match against the Western Force.

Smith, 24, who has played six tests at centre, is not expected to play any more Super 14 matches this year but could make his return to international rugby before the end of the year if his rehabilitation goes according to plan.

- NZPA