Bad-boy Eaton dropped

Wellington - Hurricanes lock Jason Eaton has been stood down for disciplinary reasons and will miss Saturday's Super 14 match against the Western Force in Wellington.

The All Blacks forward had breached team protocol, the Hurricanes said in a statement on Thursday.

Hurricanes management would not comment on the breach, describing it as an employment issue, local media reported.

Wing Hosea Gear has also been ruled out for up to six weeks after having an operation on knee cruciate ligament tear on Thursday.

Eaton and Gear both started in the side that beat the Blues 34-20 at Albany in the tournament opener last week.

Flanker Nick Crosswell has been dropped, with Michael Paterson, who started at lock last week, moving to blindside flanker, while Bryn Evans and James Broadhurst will start in the second row.

David Smith has taken Gear's spot on the left wing for the clash against the struggling Western Force, who have lost six players to injury, including Australia loose forwards David Pocock and Richard Brown for six weeks.

Hurricanes:

15. Cory Jane, 14. Tamati Ellison, 13 Conrad Smith, 12. Ma’a Nonu, 11. David Smith, 10. Willie Ripia, 9. Piri Weepu, 8. Victor Vito, 7. Scott Waldrom, 6. Michael Paterson, 5. James Broadhurst, 4. Bryn Evans, 3. Neemia Tialata, 2. Andrew Hore (captain), 1. John Schwalger

Substitutes: 16. Dane Coles, 17. Jacob Ellison, 18. Rodney So’oialo, 19. Karl Lowe, 20. Tyson Keats, 21. Aaron Cruden, 22. Andre Taylor