Mooloos Tackle the Top of the Table
26th August 2010 10:16AM
We missed some crucial tackles last week against Wellington so it has been a focus for the squad this week to tidy this area up and also, finishing off the opportunities we have been creating".
"The simple mistakes made this season around our handling and offloading have been looked at this week with the squad concentrating on improving our communication and handling while under pressure", said Gibbes.
The tight forward pack remains the same again this week with Steven Setephano rejoining the loose forwards after returning from a back injury.
In the Waikato backline, Vice Captain Brendon Leonard moves to the bench with talented New Zealand U20's Representative Tawera Kerr-Barlow starting at half back. The inside backs remain the same as last week, with New Zealand Seven's Representative Tim Mikkelson coming off the bench and starting on the right wing, with Frank Halai given the opportunity to make his first appearance for Waikato.
"Tawera has been training and playing well and he's earned his opportunity to start this week. Brendon has been tracking well this season and we are lucky with the depth of our squad in that we are able to make changes such as this" commented Gibbes.
Waikato takes on Counties-Manukau in week five of the ITM Cup at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday 28 August. Kick off is 2.35pm.
The Waikato team is
1. Toby Smith
2. Aled de Malmanche
3. Nathan White (captain)
4. Toby Lynn
5. Dominiko Waqaniburotu
6. Liam Messam
7. Jack Lam
8. Steven Setephano
9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
10. Trent Renata
11. Dwayne Sweeney
12. Christian Lealiifano
13. Save Tokula
14. Tim Mikkelson
15. Sosene Anesi
Reserves:
16. Vern Kamo
17. Hikairo Forbes
18. Romana Graham/ Chris Middleton
19. Matt Vant Leven
20. Brendon Leonard
21. Sam Christie
22. Frank Halai
InjuriesThe following were not considered for selection due to injury: Stephen Donald first five-eight (chest injury), Zak Hohneck flanker (ankle), Jackson Willison second five-eight (hamstring injury), Henry Speight wing (hamstring).
