26 Jun 2015

Hurricanes and Waratahs suffer setbacks

6:12 am on 26 June 2015

The Hurricanes and the defending champions the New South Wales Waratahs have both suffered setbacks ahead of this weekend's Super Rugby semi-finals.

All Black winger Cory Jane is missing from the Hurricanes line-up, to play the ACT Brumbies in Wellington on Saturday, with a hamstring injury.

Coach Chris Boyd has named Nehe Milner-Skudder as his replacement on the right wing and James Marshall at fullback.

Jane has said on social media he was selfish when they played the Chiefs, as his hamstring wasn't 100 percent but he wanted to play and only thought about himself.

Cory Jane concedes he was "selfish" to play against the Chiefs.

Cory Jane concedes he was "selfish" to play against the Chiefs. Photo: Photosport

The Waratahs will be without playmaker and midfielder Kurtley Beale for their top four match against the Highlanders in Sydney after he failed a fitness test.

Beale suffered a quadricep injury practising kicking before the side's final regular season game and was always in doubt for the match.

NSW Waratahs playmaker Kurtley Beale.

NSW Waratahs playmaker Kurtley Beale. Photo: Photosport

The 26-year-old has been a key member of the Waratahs over the last two years, alternating at first receiver with first five Bernard Foley and helping to unleash the team's potent backline.

Matt Carraro will fill the second five eight role against the in-form Highlanders after recovering sufficiently from breaking his thumb when he stood in for Beale against the Queensland Reds two weeks ago.

There was better news for Wallabies winger Rob Horne, whose comeback after suspension was in doubt because of a calf problem. He passed a fitness test and will line-up on the left wing.

Meanwhile, the Highlanders have made just one expected change to their starting side to face the Waratahs.

Dan Pryor's the lone missing name, with the injured versatile loose forward replaced by openside flanker James Lentjes.