All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu has regained a starting berth for the Hurricanes for their Super 14 rugby match against the Crusaders in Wellington on Friday night but wing Tamati Ellison was a non-starter.
Weepu was given the nod ahead of Tyson Keats, who is on the reserves bench after being favoured to start by coach Colin Cooper in recent weeks.
Cooper today also included wing Hosea Gear in place of Andre Taylor after Gear overcame a knee injury.
Taylor, who was not named in the reserves was reprieved after Ellison was ruled out today with a recurrence of the shoulder injury he suffered in the round three match against the Lions.
The Hurricanes are desperate for success after losing four consecutive matches and will face a Crusaders team featuring three changes.
Fullback Colin Slade replaces Jared Payne at fullback, Andy Ellis has been named at halfback in place of Kahn Fotuali'i and Sam Whitelock takes over at lock ahead of Isaac Ross.
Revised Hurricanes team: Cory Jane, Andre Taylor, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Willie Ripia, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo, Karl Lowe, Victor Vito, Michael Paterson, Jeremy Thrush, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore (captain), John Schwalger.
Reserves: Dane Coles, Anthony Perenise, Bryn Evans, Scott Waldrom, Tyson Keats, Aaron Cruden, Jason Kawau.
