Willie Ripia to start for Hurricanes

Willie Ripia will start at 10 for the Hurricanes with rising star Aaron Cruden on the bench for Friday night's Super 14 opener against the Blues at Albany.

Canes coach Colin Cooper has backed his plan to ease Cruden into his rookie season.

With an otherwise international backline in place the battle for places up front was more intense.

Victor Vito got the No 8 jersey in the absence of All Black Rodney So'oialo while Crusaders import Michael Paterson starts in the second row ahead of returning test player Bryn Evans.

Team:

1. John Schwalger
2. Andrew Hore (c)
3. Neemia Tialata
4. Michael Paterson
5. Jason Eaton
6. Nick Crosswell
7. Scott Waldrom
8. Victor Vito
9. Piri Weepu
10. Willie Ripia
11. Hosea Gear
12. Ma'a Nonu
13. Conrad Smith
14. Tamati Ellison
15. Cory Jane

Reserves:

16. Dane Coles
17. Jacob Ellison
18. Bryn Evans
19. Karl Lowe
20. Tyson Keats
21. Aaron Cruden
22. David Smith

- © Fairfax NZ News