Mooloos Ready for a Physical Battle of the Bombays
22nd October 2009 01:45PM
Waikato coach Chris Gibbes expects big physical clashes and rugby worthy of the occasion in this Saturday's traditional Waikato versus Auckland match at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.
"This game is an important one and presents a big challenge for both teams. Auckland are a powerful side with strike across the field. They have shown good form of late and the motivation of not winning at Waikato Stadium in a few years will be forefront in their minds".
"The tradition of Waikato versus Auckland matches is of big physical clashes and hard-fought outcomes. This game is no different."
Waikato is currently fourth on the Air New Zealand Cup Standings table, with this weekend's game crucial to secure a semi-final spot.
Callum Bruce will captain the Mooloo men for the first time from the midfield. While other changes to the Waikato team this weekend see Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Trent Renata come back into the starting line-up, with Kent Fife replacing Liam Messam in the loose-forwards.
On the reserves bench, Gibbes has made a couple of changes with Henry Speight returning to cover the wing and David Bason providing backup at halfback.
Gibbes says "the team selected are confident in their ability to execute the game plan on our yard, in front of our crowd. We are up for the challenge".
Waikato takes on Auckland in week 13 of the Air New Zealand Cup at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday 24 October. Kick off is 7.35pm.
The Waikato team is:
1. Hikairo Forbes
2. Aled de Malmanche
3. Nathan White
4. Kevin O'Neill
5. Toby Lynn
6. Kent Fife
7. Jack Lam
8. Alex Bradley
9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
10. Trent Renata
11. Dwayne Sweeney
12. Callum Bruce (Captain)
13. Jackson Willison
14. Tim Mikkelson
15. Sosene Anesi
Reserves:
16. Vern Kamo
17. Latu Talakai
18. Romana Graham
19. Jordan Smiler
20. David Bason
21. Save Tokula
22. Henry Speight
Footnotes:
1. The following were not considered for selection due to injury: First five-eighth Sam Christie (shoulder) and loose forward Sione Lauaki (foot).
2. Gates open at 5.30pm on Saturday. The curtain raiser match is between the Harlequins Under 15s and a Manurewa High School Selection on the number one field at 5.30pm.
