‘Canes back to full strength

THE HURRICANES will welcome back four of their key players when they take on the Sharks in New Plymouth on Friday night.

Victor Vito, Jason Eaton, Tim Bateman and Ben May have all returned to the run-on team after missing last weekend’s loss to the Cheetahs.

Vito (calf) and Eaton (back) sat out due to injury, while May and Bateman were rested.

Vito replaces the crocked Brad Shields (shoulder) at No 8, Eaton displaces Jeremy Thrush at lock, Bateman comes in for Charlie Ngatai at second five and Ben May is preferred at loosehead prop ahead of Tristan Moran.

Coach Mark Hammett has also opted to stick with Karl Lowe at openside ahead of Jack Lam.

Lowe made an impressive comeback from injury against the Cheetahs in what was his first game for the Hurricanes in nearly two years.

Samoan first five Tusi Pisi has been included on the bench ahead of Daniel Kirkpatrick, but Thrush and Moran have not, with their places going to Mark Reddish and Michael Bent respectively.

Hurricanes: Andre Taylor, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith (c), Tim Bateman, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Victor Vito, Karl Lowe, Faifili Levave, Jason Eaton, James Broadhurst, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Dane Coles, Ben May
Reserves: Motu Matu'u, Michael Bent, Mark Reddish, Jack Lam, Chris Eaton, Tusi Pisi, Charlie Ngatai