The Hurricanes have named nine All Blacks and Super 14 rugby debutant Jeremy Thrush in their starting line-up to face the NSW Waratahs at Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday.

Thrush, a 1.98m lock who impressed for Wellington in last year's NPC, will partner Jason Eaton who returns to first-class rugby after missing the Tri-Nations and World Cup due to a serious knee injury.

The starting forward pack includes six All Blacks: Eaton, captain Rodney So'oialo, Jerry Collins, Chris Masoe, Andrew Hore and John Schwalger, while another Test prop Neemia Tialata is on the bench as he recovers from elbow and ankle surgery.

In the backs, Conrad Smith will partner Tamati Ellison in the midfield, with destructive attacker Ma'a Nonu on the left wing.

Hurricanes: Cory Jane, Hosea Gear, Conrad Smith, Tamati Ellison, Ma'a Nonu, Jimmy Gopperth, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo (captain), Chris Masoe, Jerry Collins, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Tim Fairbrother, Andrew Hore, John Schwalger. Reserves: Hikawera Elliot, Neemia Tialata, Craig Clarke, Thomas Waldrom, Alby Mathewson, Willie Ripia, Shannon Paku.

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