Nonu, Schwalger return for 'Canes

by RivalsDM

Updated: March 27, 2008, 3:06 AM EST Comment

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Seasoned wing Ma'a Nonu and prop John Schwalger return to the starting line-up for the 'Canes in a match against the tournament's form side.

Nonu missed the 33-15 win over the Brumbies a fortnight ago as he sat out a one-match ban for a dangerous tackle, while a back injury kept Schwalger out of the trip to Canberra.

The Hurricanes had a bye last week.

Nonu's return sees Shannon Paku switched to the right wing, with Hosea Gear dropping down to the replacement bench, while Jacob Ellison drops out of the matchday 22 for Schwalger's return. Tim Fairbrother gets the nod on the bench.

The Hurricanes are fifth (four wins and one defeat) in the standings and will look to move into the play-off positions by handing the Crusaders their first defeat of the season.

Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Shannon Paku, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Tamati Ellison, 11 Ma'a Nonu, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Rodney So'oialo (captain), 7 Chris Masoe, 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 John Schwalger. Replacements: 16 Hikawera Elliot, 17 Tim Fairbrother, 18 Jeremy Thrush, 19 Scott Waldrom, 20 Alby Mathewson, 21 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 22 Hosea Gear.

Date: Friday, 28 March
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)
Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand)
Touch judges: Keith Brown (New Zealand), Josh Noonan (New Zealand)
Television match official: Kane McBride (New Zealand)
Assessor: Kim Eichmann (New Zealand)