The Hurricanes have lost four matches on the trot and have slid rapidly down the table to find themselves in a situation in which it is absolutely crucial for them to win all their remaining matches with a bonus point if they are to challenge for a semi-final berth.

The selection of Weepu is an indicator of the need for urgency to turn the season around. It is also a statement of lack of faith in regular fly-halves Jimmy Gopperth and Blair Stewart.

Weepu played the last 20 minutes of last week's deflating 30-7 defeat to the Lions in Johannesburg in the number ten jersey and has played in the position in lower level rugby.

Weepu is set to kick for goal too.

Cooper keeps intact his All Black-laden forward pack, who were vastly disappointing last week and will need a big lift when they face the forward-orientated Bulls outfit.

Weepu's move makes room for Alby Mathewson's return to scrum-half while Ma'a Nonu returns for Tana Umaga after long-term injury. Shannon Paku takes over from Lome Fa'atau on the right wing.

Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Shannon Paku, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Piri Weepu, 9 Alby Mathewson; 8 Rodney So'oialo (c), 7 Chris Masoe, 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Paul Tito, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 John Schwalger
Replacements: 16 Mahonri Schwalger, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18 Brad Mika, 19 Luke Andrews, 20 Jimmy Gopperth, 21 David Smith, 22 Tamati Ellison

Date: Saturday 31 March 2007
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 17.30 (5.30 GMT)
Referee: Brett Bowden (Australia)
Touch judges: James Leckie (Australia), Gary Wise (New Zealand)
Television match official: Brent Murray (New Zealand)
Assessor: Stuart Beissel (New Zealand), Dennis Immelman (South Africa)