Lowe back for Hurricanes

OPENSIDE FLANKER Karl Lowe will play his first game for the Hurricanes in nearly two years when the side takes on the Cheetahs in Wellington on Saturday afternoon.

His inclusion is one of four changes coach Mark Hammett has made to his starting team for the match at Westpac Stadium.

Lowe, who has battled serious knee injuries in recent years, takes the No 7 shirt off Jack Lam.

He joins Faifili Levave and Victor Vito in a new-look loose forward trio in what will be his first Super Rugby match since May 14, 2010, when Hurricanes lost to the Waratahs in Sydney.

Tristan Moran slots in for Ben May at loosehead prop, while the other changes come at lock, where James Broadhurst replaces Jeremy Thrush, and at second five, where Charlie Ngatai comes in for Tim Bateman.

Jayden Hayward has been included in the reserves.

Hurricanes: Andre Taylor, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith (c), Charlie Ngatai, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Karl Lowe, Faifili Levave, Jason Eaton, James Broadhurst, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Dane Coles, Tristan Moran
Reserves: Motu Matu’u, Michael Bent, Brad Shields, Jack Lam, Chris Eaton, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Jayden Hayward