Waikato have announced their matchday 23 to challenge for the Ranfurly Shield when they face Hawke’s Bay at McLean Park, Napier in round 8 of the 2021 Bunnings Warehouse NPC.

This Ranfurly Shield challenge was originally scheduled for Saturday 28th August, but due to covid alert levels being raised, preventing this match from happening. So the match was rescheduled to this weekend, giving Waikato one of the final opportunities to challenge Hawke’s Bay for the Log o’ Wood.

Head coach, Ross Filipo, has made only one change to his matchday 23. Ryan Tongia is set to make his Waikato debut as cap #1229, after being named at fullback in place of Beaudein Waaka. 

Tongia has previously represented Hawke’s Bay (31 games) and Southland (9 games) in the National Provincial Competition. He has also represented the Highlanders in Super Rugby and played for French clubs, Bayonne and Agen. 

This match also features two more milestones. High flying winger, Liam Coombes-Fabling, is set to play his 18th match for Waikato, which will see him earn his Waikato Blazer. Rupeni Tamani has been named at number 8 and will play his 3rd match and will be rewarded with his Waikato tie.

Waikato challenge Hawke’s Bay for the Ranfurly Shield at McLean Park, Napier on Saturday night, kick-off is at 7.05pm:

1.    Ayden Johnstone (Hautapu) - Co-Captain

2.    Steven Misa (Hamilton Marist)

3.    George Dyer (Fraser Tech)

4.    James Tucker (Hamilton Marist)

5.    Laghlan McWhannell (Hautapu)

6.    Hamilton Burr (Hautapu)

7.    Mitch Jacobson (Hautapu)

8.    Rupeni Tamani (Hamilton Old Boys)

9.    Xavier Roe (Hamilton Old Boys)

10.  Fletcher Smith (University) - Co-Captain

11.  Mosese Dawai (Hautapu)

12.  Gideon Wrampling (Te Awamutu Sports)

13.  Bailyn Sullivan (Hamilton Marist)

14.  Liam Coombes-Fabling (Fraser Tech)

15.  Ryan Tongia (Hamilton Marist)*

16.  Sam Cooper (Hamilton Old Boys)

17.  Ollie Norris (Hautapu)

18.  Rob Cobb (Hamilton Old Boys)

19.  James Thompson (Hautapu)

20.  Tom Martin (Hamilton Marist)

21.  Cortez Ratima (Otorohanga)

22.  D’Angelo Leuila (Fraser Tech)

23.  Tepaea Cook-Savage (Fraser Tech)

* Waikato Debut

Article added: Friday 22 October 2021