Mooloos Set for "Hell of a Battle"
3rd September 2009 01:43PM
The Mooloos are set for "one hell of a battle" according to Waikato coach Chris Gibbes when Waikato takes on Hawke's Bay in week six of the Air New Zealand Cup this Saturday night in Hamilton.
"It is clear this game is going to be one hell of a battle. There are a lot of connections between our two teams. Both teams will be keen to make their mark in this match. All indications are that this is going to be a great game of rugby," said Gibbes.
"The guys are focused on building on last weeks performance and are looking forward to being back on our yard in front of our people. This is only our second home game in the competition and nothing beats a passionate Mooloo crowd."
In the Waikato forwards prop Ben May returns to the starting line-up, and will combine with hooker Aled de Malmanche and Nathan White in the front row. While in the loose forwards Jack Lam makes a return to number seven having been unavailable last week with a leg injury.
In the backs Brendon Leonard will combine with Trent Renata who will take over duties at first five-eighth, with Sam Christie unavailable due to a shoulder injury. Fijian speedster Henry Speight starts on the wing this week, with Sosene Anesi returning to fullback.
Waikato takes on Hawke's Bay in week six of the Air New Zealand Cup at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday 5 September. Kick off is 7.35pm.
The Waikato team is:
1. Ben May
2. Aled de Malmanche
3. Nathan White
4. Romana Graham
5. Kevin O'Neill
6. Liam Messam (captain)
7. Jack Lam
8. Alex Bradley
9. Brendon Leonard
10. Trent Renata
11. Dwayne Sweeney
12. Callum Bruce
13. Save Tokula
14. Henry Speight
15. Sosene Anesi
Reserves:
16. Vern Kamo
17. Hikairo Forbes
18. Kent Fife
19. Matt Blain
20. David Bason
21. Alesana Muliaina
22. Tim Mikkelson.
Footnotes:
The following were not considered for selection due to injury: first five-eighth Sam Christie (shoulder) loose forward Ray Allen (ankle) prop Kieran Ramage (shoulder), and loose forward Sione Lauaki (foot).
Waikato All Blacks Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald and Mils Muliaina were not released from All Blacks commitments for this match.
Tickets for the Waikato v Hawke's Bay match are on sale now via www.mooloo.co.nz and usual ticket outlets.
Gates open at 5.00pm on Saturday 5 September. A curtain raiser match between Waikato Development team and Northland Development team kicks off at 5.15pm.
