Meanwhile, in Tararua Country....

Back onto the paddock

Hurricanes ease into season with Chiefs clash

By DANIEL RICHARDSON - Manawatu Standard | 12 NOON - Friday, 28 January 2011

COUNTRY RUGGER: The bunting goes up at Mangatainoka for tomorrow's big match. — Photo: Wairarapa News.

MANAWATU first five-eighth Aaron Cruden has been named on the bench for the Hurricanes in their first pre-season game, against the Chiefs in Mangatainoka tomorrow.

Instead, Hawke's Bay pivot, Daniel Kirkpatrick, will run the cutter in a starting side that includes former All Black Rodney So'oialo at No8, rising star Charlie Ngatai at fullback and the blockbusting Julian Savea on the wing.

Cruden, the team's No1 first-five, is expected to come onto the field in the second half.

Kirkpatrick played for the Blues at Mangatainoka last year.

Turbos prop Ma'afu Fia has also been included on a 15-strong reserve bench for the Hurricanes, along with a host of other young players such as Taranaki utility back Beauden Barrett.

Fia has been training with the Hurricanes on the fringe of the wider training group.

Fifty-seven players have been named to play on Neil Symonds' farm tomorrow, but Tana Umaga's name is missing.

The former All Black captain, who played in the Super 12 – as it was known then in 1996 – hasn't been picked for the Chiefs this weekend as Ian Foster looks to manage the 37-year-old's workload.

"I think we are stripping 27 players, so you can't strip everybody. It is a chance to give people significant game time," Foster said.

The Chiefs' mentor mentioned that "all going well", Umaga would play against the Highlanders in Taupo in the Waikato-based franchise's next warm-up game.

Foster said the first game of the year, to be played in quarters, was an important one to blow out the cobwebs.

"The focus is on performance this week, clearly.

"Pre-season – it sincerely is just about testing where we are at.

"I think both teams are going to be real keen to get out there. The first pre-season game in a lot of ways is an exciting one and a nervous one ... We want to get the guys in to the first contact hit-out."

Former Manawatu lock Hayden Triggs will start at blindside flanker for the Chiefs. It is the third Super rugby side he has played for, following stints with the Hurricanes and Highlanders.

Foster said it was important to develop depth in the No6 role and Triggs fitted the bill because he is a lock who can cover the loose forward spot.

"We haven't really had that option before, so I guess it's a good chance for him to play there," Foster said. "I think it's a real learning curve for him."

Foster's loose forward concerns are also heightened because Colin Bourke is out for up to six months with a shoulder injury.

Both sides are without their All Blacks for this weekend's game as they ease their way in to contact training.

A crowd of more than 7000 is expected for the game, after tickets sold out last week.

Rain has been forecast for tomorrow, although that might suit some players, who could take a few knocks on the hard ground.

"The boys would prefer a bit of rain," Foster said.

The game is set to kick off at 3pm following a curtainraiser between the New Zealand Musicians and a Mangatainoka XV.

Manawatu Turbos halfback Aaron Smith will start for the Highlanders in their pre-season clash with the Blues at Balclutha tomorrow, while David Te Moana will also begin the game, at tighthead prop.

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HOW THEY LINE UP

HURRICANES: 1. John Schwalger, 2. Laurence Corlett, 3. Michael Bent, 4. James Broadhurst, 5. Jason Eaton, 6. Faifili Levave, 7. Jack Lam, 8. Rodney So'oialo; 9. Tyson Keats, 10. Daniel Kirkpatrick, 11. Andre Taylor, 12. Jayden Hayward, 13. Alapati Leiua, 14. Julian Savea, 15. Charlie Ngatai. Reserves: Dane Coles, Ma'afu Fia, Jacob Ellison, Anthony Perenise, Reg Goodes, Jeremy Thrush, Bryn Evans, Victor Vito, Mike Coman, Scott Fuglistaller, Chris Eaton, TJ Perenara, Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett, Richard Buckman.

CHIEFS: 1. Ben May, 2. Aled de Malmanche, 3. Ben Afeaki, 4. Culum Retallick, 5. Romana Graham, 6. Hayden Triggs, 7. Tanerau Latimer, 8. Fritz Lee, 9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow; 10. Mike Delany, 11. Ahsee Tuala, 12. Dwayne Sweeney, 13. Jackson Willison, 14. Lelia Masaga, 15. Tim Nanai-Williams. Reserves: Daniel Perrin, Nathan White, Craig Clarke, Sam Cane, Alex Bradley, Phillip Burleigh, Sona Taumalolo, Brendon Leonard, Mark Selwyn, Trent Renata, Save Tokula, Simon Lemalu.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/sport/rugby-union/4592161/Back-onto-the-paddock