Mooloos Focused on the Task at Hand
15th October 2009 01:45PM
Waikato coach Chris Gibbes says his team's focus is solely directed on its performance against Northland at home at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton this Saturday night.
"It may sound clichéd, but it is a fact - our team is solely focused on this Saturday's game and we know we have to perform. We have been enjoying good wins in the lead up to this game, but we also have room for improvement."
"It will be a physical game on Saturday night on our home ground. Northland will throw everything at us. We are focuses and ready for the challenge."
For the third consecutive week the Waikato starting XV remains unchanged. Experienced tight head prop Nathan White is set to play his 50th game for the Mooloos this weekend.
"The milestone of 50 games is a great achievement for Whitey. He epitomises everything that a Waikato player stands for - hard work, humility and commitment to the red, yellow and black jersey."
Gibbes added his team is looking forward to another home game at Waikato Stadium.
"It is always good playing in our yard, in front of our people. We are a proud province and are keen to keep our good record at home."
In the Waikato reserves Gibbes has made a couple of changes with Vern Kamo covering hooker, and speedster Save Tokula covering the midfield/wing options.
Waikato is currently sitting in fifth place on the Air New Zealand Cup points table with 31 points.
Waikato takes on Northland in week 12 of the Air New Zealand Cup at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday 17 October. Kick off is 7.35pm.
The Waikato team is:
1. Hikairo Forbes
2. Aled de Malmanche
3. Nathan White
4. Toby Lynn
5. Kevin O'Neill
6. Liam Messam (captain)
7. Jack Lam
8. Alex Bradley
9. Brendon Leonard
10. Stephen Donald
11. Dwayne Sweeney
12. Callum Bruce
13. Jackson Willison
14. Tim Mikkelson
15. Sosene Anesi
Reserves:
16. Vern Kamo
17. Latu Talakai
18. Romana Graham
19. Jordan Smiler 20.
Tawera Kerr-Barlow
21. Trent Renata
22. Save Tokula.
Footnotes:
1. Prop Nathan White is set to play his 50th game for Waikato on Saturday. He made his debut with the Mooloos on 2 August, 2002 against Hawke's Bay in Napier.
2. The following were not considered for selection due to injury: First five-eighth Sam Christie (shoulder) and loose forward Sione Lauaki (foot).
3. Gates open at 5.30pm on Saturday. The curtain raiser match is between the Harlequins Under 15s v Bay of Plenty Under 15s on the number one field at 5.30pm.
4. Waikato's official charity the Pass It On Foundation has donated a total of 300 tickets to this game to give to the following charities - Rainbow Place, Canteen and Heart Kids. Each charity will pass these tickets onto their volunteers and people involved with their organisations. This is part of the Foundation's on-going community support.
5. Red Cross collectors will be outside the gates at Waikato Stadium on Saturday night collecting donations for the Tsunami Relief Fund.
