7 Feb 2007

Former All Black captain to lead the Hurricanes

8:29 am on 7 February 2007

The former All Black captain Tana Umaga will captain the Hurricanes in their Super 14 rugby match against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday after an eye injury ruled out Conrad Smith who led the side in Brisbane.

Both sides lost their first round matches -- the Hurricanes to the Queensland Reds and the Chiefs to the ACT Brumbies.

Smith's absence sees Umaga move to centre with Tamati Ellison starting at second five and Ma'a Nonu moving to the wing in the place of David Smith.

The team is Corey Jane, Rico Gear , Tana Umaga , Tamati Ellison , Ma'a Nonu, Jimmy Gopperth Alby Mathewson; Thomas Waldrom, Serge Lilo, Luke Andrews, Bernie Upton, Paul Tito, Neemia Tialata, Tone Kopelani, John Schwalger or Tony Penn.

Replacements: Mahonri Schwalger,Tony Penn / Anthony Perenise, Bradley Mika, Hayden Hopgood, Chris Smylie, David Smith, Shannon Paku.