Mooloos Set for Friday Night Footy Clash in Christchurch
12th August 2009 12:56PM
The Mooloos are looking to build on the positives from last week's victory when they take on Canterbury in week three of the Air New Zealand Cup this Friday night.
Waikato coach Chris Gibbes has named an unchanged backline from that which beat Manawatu 30-22 last Saturday.
The Waikato forward pack remains the same in the front row and tight five, but in the loose forwards Liam Messam will start at number eight with Jordan Smiler getting the nod to start at blindside. Jack Lam remains on the openside.
The Waikato reserves bench sees the return of lock Kevin O'Neill who has been recovering from a rib strain, and prop Nathan White who suffered a back strain in the Mooloos' opening match.
"Last week's win saw many combinations come together well and we are looking to build on those positives this Friday night."
"Our guys are excited by the challenge of taking on Canterbury in Christchurch. Waikato and Canterbury games have always been big occasions and this one is no different."
Waikato takes on Canterbury in week three of the Air New Zealand Cup at AMI Stadium in Christchurch on Friday 14 August. Kick off is 7.35pm.
The Waikato team is:
1. Hikairo Forbes
2. Aled de Malmanche
3. Ben May
4. Romana Graham
5. Toby Lynn
6. Jordan Smiler
7. Jack Lam
8. Liam Messam
9. Brendon Leonard
10. Sam Christie
11. Dwayne Sweeney
12. Callum Bruce
13. Roimata Hansell-Pune
14. Tim Mikkelson
15. Sosene Anesi
Reserves:
16. Ole Avei
17. Nathan White
18. Kevin O'Neill
19. Ray Allen
20. David Bason
21. Trent Renata
22. Save Tokula.
Footnotes:
Sione Lauaki injured a ligament in his foot during last Saturday's Waikato v Manawatu match and was not considered for selection.
The Waikato team will travel to Christchurch tomorrow (Thursday 13 August) afternoon.
