Mooloo’s Head to the Windy City
19th August 2010 10:25AM
Waikato coach Chris Gibbes announced his side for the fourth game of the ITM Cup season today, acknowledging that last week's performance was the hard encounter he expected for the boys.
"We went into the game knowing it was going to be fiercely competitive against the Naki boys and physically a strong battle as a lot of our regular starters have come away with niggles, after 3 tough games in a row".
"We didn't start as we planned to last Sunday, therefore this week we as a team have concentrated on our preparation. Wellington has demonstrated this season that they are a force to be reckoned with and we have a tough fight ahead of us this weekend but the team is looking forward to the challenge."
The tight forward pack welcomes the return of Aled de Malmanche, after he was ruled out of last week's game due to a back injury, supported by Captain Nathan White and Toby Smith.
The Waikato backline remains the same as the previous two games with vice captain Brendon Leonard starting at halfback, with Trent Renata holding the number ten jersey. Christian Lealiifano continues to stamp his mark at second five-eight with try scoring Save Tokula at centre and talented outside backs Dwayne Sweeney, Henry Speight and Sosene Anesi.
Waikato takes on Wellington in week four of the ITM Cup at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday 21 August. Kickoff is 7.35pm.
The Waikato team is
1. Toby Smith
2. Aled de Malmanche
3. Nathan White (captain)
4. Dominiko Waqaniburotu
5. Toby Lynn
6. Liam Messam
7. Jack Lam
8. Alex Bradley
9. Brendon Leonard (vice captain)
10. Trent Renata
11. Dwayne Sweeney
12. Christian Lealiifano
13. Save Tokula
14. Henry Speight
15. Sosene Anesi
Reserves:
16. Vern Kamo
17. Hikairo Forbes
18. Romana Graham
19. Matt Vant Leven
20. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
21. Sam Christie
22. Tim Mikkelson
Injuries
The following were not considered for selection due to injury:
Stephen Donald first five-eight (chest injury), Zak Hohneck flanker (concussion), Ben May prop (back injury), Jackson Willison second five-eight (hamstring injury), Steven Setephano number 8 (back injury).
