Mooloo's Announce Their Team to Take on Otago
6th October 2010 10:08AM
Waikato coach Chris Gibbes announced his side for round eleven of the ITM Cup season today who will take on the Otago Razorbacks this Friday night at Waikato Stadium. They will be wearing their Rainbow coloured socks in support of their charity Rainbow Place.
"We are happy with parts of our game against Northland and to pick up the bonus point was pleasing especially up there. This week we have been working on parts of our defence as we gave away a couple of soft tries against Northland. Against Otago our defence will be tested as they are a side that can put long phases of play together and will continually attack our line" said Gibbes.
"The boys are happy to be back at home and are looking forward to supporting our charity with the new addition to our uniform" remarked Gibbes.
The changes to the tight forwards this week include the absence of Aled de Malmanche due to his groin injury which has given Vern Kamo the opportunity to step into the number 2 jersey.
The loose forward trio remains the same this week.
The Waikato backline welcomes back Mils Muliaina to the number 15 jersey and Tawera Kerr-Barlow has come off the bench and into the starting halfback position to cover Brendon Leonard with new addition to the team Malcolm Barnes in as the reserve halfback.
"There are a few changes to the team this week with the obvious absence of Brendon Leonard after his collision during the Northland game. It's exciting to have Mils back in the fold and great to have him in the Mooloo colours again," commented Gibbes.
Waikato takes on Otago in week eleven of the ITM Cup at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Friday 8th October. Kickoff is 7.35pm and gates open from 6pm.
The Waikato team is
1. Toby Smith
2. Vern Kamo
3. Nathan White (Captain)
4. Toby Lynn
5. Romana Graham
6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu
7. Jack Lam
8. Alex Bradley
9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
10. Stephen Donald
11. Henry Speight
12. Christian Lealiifano
13. Save Tokula
14. Sosene Anesi
15. Mils Muliaina
Reserves:
16. Hikairo Forbes
17. Ben May
18. Matt Vant Leven
19. Zak Hohneck
20. Malcolm Barnes
21. Trent Renata
22. Frank Halai
Injuries
The following were not considered for selection due to injury: Jackson Willison second five-eight (head injury), Richard Kahui utility back (shoulder), Brendon Leonard halfback (head injury), Dwayne Sweeney wing (rib injury), Chris Middleton lock (shoulder injury), Aled de Malmanche hooker (groin injury) and Steven Setephano loose forward (calf injury).
