Umaga, Collins tipped to miss Crusaders match

Hurricanes skipper Tana Umaga and flanker Jerry Collins are not expected to start in Friday's Super 12 rugby match against the Crusaders.

Umaga is still bothered by a thumb injury he suffered in the first few minutes of last Friday's 22-10 win against the Blues.

Although he played on with the injury, it is obviously a worry.

Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper said Umaga could play if Friday's match in Christchurch was a semifinal, but that was a week away.

"It's a bit of common sense, basically," Cooper said yesterday. "Why risk him and lose him for the semi when we don't need to do that?"

The news is not so bright for prop Joe McDonnell, who will have surgery next week on his injured right thumb. He will miss the rest of the Super 12 and is in doubt for the New Zealand Maori and Wellington games against the Lions next month.

Cooper will name his team today and Collins is expected to drop to the bench, with Chris Masoe starting in an otherwise unchanged pack.

Umaga's absence could be the only change to the backs, too, with Tane Tu'ipulotu taking his place, though Hosea Gear may yet start ahead of Ma'a Nonu on the wing.

Several players, including Riki Flutey, Tony Penn, Thomas Waldrom, Kristian Ormsby and Isaac Boss could feel aggrieved they seem fated to get no further than the bench, especially as the Hurricanes' position of third on the table is unlikely to change, win or lose.

- NZPA