Waikato Team to Play Taranaki
20th July 2011 11:27AM
Waikato coach Chris Gibbes today announced his side to take on Taranaki in the third round of the ITM Cup, at Waikato Stadium this Thursday evening. Gates for this game open at 5pm with the curtain raiser between Hamilton Marist under 19s taking on Pirongia under 19s at 5.15pm.
Waikato Head Coach Chris Gibbes said: "Tomorrow's game against Taranaki will be a cracker. We are looking forward to the challenge that Taranaki will bring. They are a physical side and the games between the two teams are always a fierce battle. They will be keen to get a result up here as they did last year, so it all bodes well for an intense, physical game and the boys are looking forward to our first home game of the season."
Waikato currently holds the Ryan Wheeler Memorial Trophy after reclaiming the trophy in their pre-season clash two weeks ago and Taranaki will be out to regain it.
"We currently have the Ryan Wheeler Memorial Trophy and are keen to hold onto it. The trophy means a hell of a lot to both teams so added incentive when we line up against each other tomorrow night," commented Gibbes.
In the forwards Toby Smith comes into the number one jersey and Rory Grice debuts for Waikato as number 8. Henry Speight comes onto the right wing to replace Sitiveni Sivivatu who is currently with the All Blacks squad with no further changes to the backline. In the reserves, Ben May moves to the bench and Jack Lam comes into the side
The Waikato team is
1. Toby Smith
2. Aled de Malmanche
3. Nathan White (Captain)
4. Toby Lynn
5. Romana Graham
6. Matt Vant Leven
7. Marty Holah
8. Rory Grice
9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
10. Stephen Donald
11. Declan O'Donnell
12. Jackson Willison
13. Save Tokula
14. Henry Speight
15. Trent Renata
Reserves:
16. Marcel Cummings-Toone/ Ted Tauroa
17. Ben May
18. Jack Lam
19. Chris Middleton
20. Brendon Leonard
21. Sam Christie
22. Tim Mikkelson
23. Latu Talakai
