17/04/2008 21:50

Stephen Nell

Cape Town - The Hurricanes will have their fingers crossed that All Black scrumhalf Piri Weepu remains uninjured throughout their Super 14 rugby match against the Stormers here on Saturday.

Colin Cooper, coach of the Wellington-based side, has been forced to select a squad without a specialist replacement scrumhalf.

Alby Mathewson had to return to New Zealand because his father was seriously ill, according to a report in the Dominion Post.

However, flyhalf Willie Ripia, who has played at scrumhalf and fullback, is on the bench.

The only change to the team that thrashed the Bulls 50-22 last weekend, is the selection of Neemia Tialata at tighthead prop in place of Tim Fairbrother.

Tialata has played in 21 Test matches and, together with hooker Andrew Hore and John Schwalger, will provide a huge challenge to the Stormers front row.

"It's a typical New Zealand team, with a really good pack," Stormers assistant coach Allister Coetzee said on Thursday.

Tough customer

"They have a strong front row and we will have to turn up physically. If we do not bring them down or tackle them back, they will run us to pieces as well.

"Ma'a Nonu and Jerry Collins are key players and Andrew Hore is a tough customer," Coetzee said.

"The Hurricanes challenge you one-on-one. They have good running skills and pass the ball after breaking the tackle. They are at their most dangerous when they get behind you.

"The main thing is to stop them from getting momentum. They thrive on momentum.

"It's going to be a great battle. The Hurricanes are the type of team that can reach the semi-finals and the final. They are similar to the Blues when they (the Blues) are in good form."

Coetzee said it was important for the Stormers to protect their possession. They had been good for 45 minutes when they beat the Cheetahs 34-22 last week but slacked off in the second half.

"We'll have to guard the ball jealously. We forced a few passes in the second half last week and put ourselves under pressure."

Coetzee also expressed his satisfaction with the performance of Fijian wing Sireli Naqelevuki, who scored two tries against the Cheetahs.

He had asked for a better work rate from Naqelevuki before last week's match. The big wing was extremely valuable in the way he dominated in contact, he explained. "He provides momentum. Now it's just a matter of consistency."

The Hurricanes team: Cory Jane, Hosea Gear, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Shannon Paku, Jimmy Gopperth, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo (capt), Chris Masoe, Jerry Collins, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, John Schwalger.

Substitutes: Hikawera Elliot, Tim Fairbrother, Bernie Upton, Scott Waldrom, Willie Ripia, Tane Tu'ipulotu and Zac Guildford.