Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper made a surprise second row selection when he named his team for the opening match of the 2010 Super 14 season, against the Blues in Albany on Friday, dropping All Black Bryn Evans to the bench.

Cooper named a predictable, All Blacks-laden backline, but it was in the pack - led by new captain Andrew Hore - that some eyebrows were raised.

Canterbury recruit, the utility forward Michael Paterson, will start at lock alongside Jason Eaton in the second row, Evans among the replacements.

The loose forward trio will feature Victor Vito at the less-familiar No.8 spot, with Scott Waldrom and Manawatu's rangy Nick Crosswell on the flanks.

Victor is at the back of the scrum while All Black No.8 Rodney So'oialo spends the early weeks of the competition reconditioning his body in the gym.

Otherwise the Hurricanes have a close to a full strength side for the trip to Albany on Friday.

In a backline full of international talent, Taranaki pivot Willie Ripia has been handed the flyhalf spot ahead of the highly-touted Aaron Cruden. Ripia will have plenty of support around him, with every other back having played for the All Blacks.

Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Tamati Ellison, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Scott Waldrom, 6 Nick Crosswell, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Michael Paterson, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore (captain), 1 John Schwalger.

Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18 Bryn Evans, 19 Karl Lowe, 20 Tyson Keats, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 David Smith.

Date: Friday, February 12
Venue: North Harbour Stadium, Albany
Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)
Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
Assistant referees: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand), Garratt Williamson (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)