Wellington, New Zealand - Retired All Blacks captain Tana Umaga will lead the Wellington Hurricanes in their Super 14 rugby match against South Africa's Cheetahs on Saturday, replacing regular captain Rodney So'oialo, who is serving a one-match suspension.

Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper said he had given the captaincy decision careful consideration.

"It was whether we named a captain for the now or were we looking to the future by giving one of our young leaders the captaincy role," Cooper told the New Zealand Press Association on Friday.

"The game is going to be a big game and we certainly want to start our tour off well so we've decided to go with Tana."

Umaga retired from international rugby last month but decided to continue playing in the Super 14 and New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.

"He probably would have preferred the low profile, but it's about what's best for the team and Tana understands that," Cooper said.

"He's just working with us with whatever we want. I wanted him to be the captain - he's the captain."

All Blacks No. 8 So'oialo and lock Paul Tito were suspended for a week for trampling in the Hurricanes match against the Cats at Wellington last weekend. - Sapa-AP