All Black Piri Weepu will make his return to Super 14 rugby action via the reserves bench for the Hurricanes against the Brumbies on Saturday.

The versatile back, who has been battling a hamstring strain in recent weeks, will give coach Colin Cooper extra choice from the bench in Wellington.

He has participated fully in training this week and many expected him to be named in the starting 15.

But Cooper saw it otherwise, instead choosing to stick with Alby Mathewson and No.10 Willie Ripia as his inside backs combination.

Cooper has made three changes to his pack, with loose forward Karl Lowe, lock Bryn Evans and prop John Schwalger all promoted to start, replacing Victor Vito, Jason Eaton and Jacob Ellison, respectively.

Evans' selection, ahead of All Black Eaton, is a nod to his impact at lineout time.

The Hurricanes are fourth on the points table but the race to the semifinals is a particularly tight one and they need to collect more points on Saturday to maintain their run.

The Brumbies are seventh, just two points adrift of the Hurricanes.

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