Waikato Team Announced to Play the Stags
14th September 2010 10:57AM
Waikato coach Chris Gibbes announced his side for round eight of the ITM Cup season today.
"Defensively Southland are very strong and they put a lot of pressure on teams so we need a strong set piece and ball carries on attack. Southland's attacking game is high tempo so our defensive line needs to be strong and our one on one tackles is of high importance", said Gibbes.
The top three tacklers from the Hawke's Bay game were Toby Smith (20), Jack Lam (17) and Zak Hohneck (16).
The changes to the forward pack this week is Dominiko Waqaniburotu returning to the starting lineup.
The Waikato backline remains the same as last week with the return of Stephen Donald to the bench after a chest injury sustained during the club rugby season put him out of rugby for the first half of the ITM Cup season.
"Stephen has come through his injury rehab really well. He has been working with both Chief's and Waikato trainers and he's itching to get back on the field," commented Gibbes.
Waikato takes on Southland in week eight of the ITM Cup at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Thursday 16 September. Kickoff is 7.35pm.
The Waikato team is
1. Toby Smith
2. Aled de Malmanche
3. Nathan White (Captain)
4. Toby Lynn
5. Dominiko Waqaniburotu
6. Jack Lam
7. Zak Hohneck
8. Liam Messam
9. Brendon Leonard (Vice Captain)
10. Trent Renata
11. Dwayne Sweeney
12. Christian Lealiifano
13. Save Tokula
14. Tim Mikkelson
15. Sosene Anesi
Reserves:
16. Vern Kamo
17. Ben May
18. Romana Graham
19. Alex Bradley
20. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
21. Stephen Donald
22. Henry Speight
Injuries
The following were not considered for selection due to injury: Jackson Willison second five-eight (hamstring injury), Richard Kahui utility back (shoulder).
