Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper has kept All Black Piri Weepu on the bench for Friday's Super 14 clash against the Blues, opting to start Willie Ripia at five-eighth and Alby Mathewson at halfback.

Ripia has produced assured performances at No 10 since starting against the Force on April 9, while Weepu nursed a hamstring strain, then the Stormers and the Brumbies.

After last week's 56-7 thrashing of the Brumbies, Cooper may be loathe to break up a combination that has guided his side to the top of the table with three straight wins.

Cooper has been forced to make changes to his backline with fullback Cory Jane unavailable because of a calf problem.

Tamati Ellison drops back to No 15 from the wing where he scored a try last week, with Zac Guildford coming on as right wing.

In the locks, Jason Eaton replaces Bryn Evans who was impressive against the Brumbies.

The injury-ravaged Blues have made a raft of changes to their side, including giving a debut to flanker Tom Chamberlain.

With the Blues having four front-line loose forwards on the casualty list, Chamberlain, 22, has been plucked out of North Harbour club rugby to wear the No 7 jersey.

His inclusion is one of seven changes to the starting 15 that began the home defeat against the Queensland Reds last weekend.

Hurricanes: u, David Smith, Willie Ripia, Alby Mathewson, Rodney So'oialo (captain), Scott Waldrom, Victor Vito, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, John Schwalger.

Reserves: Ged Robinson, Jacob Ellison, Bryn Evans, Api Naikatini, Piri Weepu, Jason Kawau, Robert Fruean.

Blues: Rudi Wulf, Rene Ranger, Anthony Tuitavake, Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko, Jimmy Gopperth, Taniela Moa, Jerome Kaino, Tom Chamberlain, Kurtis Haiu, Ali Williams, Jay Williams, Tevita Mailau, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Tom McCartney, Charlie Faumuina, Dean Budd, Peter Saili, Grayson Hart, Michael Hobbs, Paul Williams.

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