Unchanged Mooloo Starting XV Head South
8th October 2009 01:34PM
Waikato coach Chris Gibbes has opted for an unchanged Waikato line-up for this Saturday's Air New Zealand Cup clash against Otago in Dunedin.
The Waikato starting XV is unchanged from that which beat North Harbour 33-22 last week in Hamilton.
For the two Waikato locks, Toby Lynn and Kevin O'Neill, the Saturday afternoon match at Carisbrook will see them reach key milestones in their rugby careers. Lynn will run out for his 50th Waikato game, while O'Neill will play his 18th game for the province, which entitles him to a Waikato blazer.
Gibbes said: "it is great to see Toby and Kevin reaching these milestones in their career. Milestone games are important and it is fitting that they both will celebrate their achievements in the same match in the same positions."
Gibbes is keen to see the Mooloos continue to "move forward" and build on their progress of the past few weeks.
"The best way to move forward is to keep building on what we have been doing. Last week we were accurate in the set piece and in the collision area. But there is room for improvement and we can be better in these areas. That is the attitude and focus we will bring into this game against Otago."
"Otago have played well on their home track so we expect them to be tough opponents. Waikato and Otago matches have traditionally been high scoring games and both teams like to attack. It should be a good match up on Saturday afternoon."
Waikato is currently sitting in eighth place on the Air New Zealand Cup points table with 26 points.
Waikato takes on Otago in week 11of the Air New Zealand Cup at Carisbrook Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday 10 October. Kick off is 2.35pm.
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. Ole Avei
17. Latu Talakai
18. Romana Graham
19. Jordan Smiler
20. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
21. Trent Renata
22. Roimata Hansell-Pune
Footnotes:
1. Locks Toby Lynn and Kevin O'Neill will reach key milestones in their rugby careers on Saturday. Lynn will play his 50th game for the Mooloos, while O'Neill will play his 18th game for Waikato which will see him earn a Waikato blazer.
2. The following were not considered for selection due to injury: first five-eighth Trent Renata (shoulder), prop Ben May (knee), first five-eighth Sam Christie (shoulder), prop Kieran Ramage (shoulder), loose forward Sione Lauaki (foot) , midfielder Save Tokula (ankle sprain), and loose forward Ray Allen (knee).
