10 Feb 2011

Nonu and Smith re-united in Hurricanes midfield

11:40 am on 10 February 2011

The All Blacks midfield combination of Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith's been reunited for the first time this year, with the pair named to start in the Hurricanes final Super rugby pre season match against the ACT Brumbies in Canberra tonight.

Coach Mark Hammett has named close to what's expected to be his first choice lineup for the opening match of the season against the Highlanders in Wellington.

Winger Hosea Gear is missing from the squad after suffering a hamstring strain against the Blues last week.

Rodney So'oialo is on the extended reserves bench with Fafili Lavave playing at number eight, while Tyson Keats and Aaron Cruden team in the halves.

Jeremy Thrush and Jason Eaton will lock the scrum.