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Tamati Ellison of the Hurricanes - Source: Photosport -
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Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper is banking on the experience of
All Blacks Conrad Smith and Tamati Ellison to help unlock a solid
Stormers defence when the sides meet in a Super 14 rugby match at
Cape Town on Sunday morning (NZtime).
Smith and Ellison return to Cooper's starting lineup after injury
forced them out of last week's match against the Cheetahs at
Bloemfontein which the Hurricanes lost 12-28.
Heading into Sunday's fifth round match, the third-placed Stormers,
have conceded just two tries.
The Hurricanes, fourth in the standings, also have 14 points but
the Stormers have a superior points differential.
Cooper has also dropped to the bench exciting young Manawatu first
five-eighth Aaron Cruden in favour of the more seasoned Willie
Ripia.
In the forwards, Jacob Ellison comes in for John Schwalger at
loosehead prop and Scott Waldrom takes over openside flanker duties
from Karl Lowe.
Lowe, Schwalger, centre Alapati Leiua along with Cruden will see
game time from the reserves.
A desire to manage his squad through the season and put fresh legs
on the park was one reason why Jacob Ellison was getting his first
start of the season, replacing Schwalger in the front row and
Waldrom was preferred over Lowe.
Vital
But there was no substitute for experience in what was shaping up
as a vital match.
"Tamati and Conrad slip straight back into it with their
experience," Cooper said.
"We know they will have a massive crowd there and obviously they
are coming off a high, having beaten the Highlanders, so we have
gone for experience particularly in the backs.
"They play a pretty wide game, have a lineout drive that's
been successful and a scrum that's pretty good also."
Cooper said the Hurricanes would be more comfortable this weekend
having come down from altitude back to sea level and having
recovered from travelling to South Africa.
There was also an edge to the side after last weekend's loss.
"We will be put to the test this weekend ...we just have got to be
a lot smarter than we were last week."
Hurricanes team to play Stormers: Cory Jane, Tamati Ellison, Conrad
Smith, Ma'a Nonu, David Smith, Willie Ripia, Piri Weepu, Rodney
So'oialo, Scott Waldrom, Victor Vito, Michael Paterson, Bryn Evans,
Neemia tialata, Andrew Hore (captain), Jacob Ellison.
Reserves: Dane Coles, John Schwalger, Jeremy Thrush, Karl
Lowe, Tyson Keats, Aaron Cruden, Alapati Leiua.
