Waikato have announced their matchday 23 to face Bay of Plenty at Tauranga Domain, in round 9 of the 2021 Bunnings Warehouse NPC.

Head coach, Ross Filipo, has made several changes to his matchday 23 including the captain with Mitch Jacobson named to lead the team against Bay of Plenty. 

Filipo has named an all new front row, with loosehead prop, Ollie Norris, and hooker, Sam Cooper, both being promoted from the reserves to starting roles. Norris trades places with Ayden Johnstone, while Sefo Kautai returns from injury and will take over at tighthead prop.

James Tucker has been named at lock and will make his 50th appearance for the province after debuting in 2015 against Tasman. Since his debut, Tucker has scored 7 tries, for a total of 35 points. 

Joining Tucker in the second row is James Thompson, who will also reach a milestone. Thompson will run out for his 18th appearance earning him his Waikato Blazer. The loose forward trio of Hamilton Burr, Mitch Jacobson and Rupeni Tamani remains unchanged.

There is a new halves pairing of Cortez Ratima and D’Angelo Leuila, with Ratima also making his 18th appearance and earning his Waikato Blazer. 

Ryan Tongia moves from fullback to outside centre to make up a new midfield combination with Gideon Wrampling. Tongia’s move infield has seen Tepaea Cook-Savage earn his first start of the season at fullback. Cook-Savage joins regular wingers Mosese Dawai and competition leading try scorer, Liam Coombes-Fabling to make up the outside backs.

In the reserves, three players have a chance to make their Waikato debuts, former Chiefs hooker, Rhys Marshall, University of Waikato club rugby loose forward, Te Rama Reuben and finally Melville’s utility back, Daniel Sinkinson.

Prop Tolu Fahamokioa and halfback Rhys Dickinson, both have a chance to make their first appearance for Waikato this season and utility back Beaudein Waaka also returns to the matchday squad.

Waikato take on Bay of Plenty at Tauranga Domain, Tauranga on Saturday afternoon, kick-off is at 4.35pm:

1.    Ollie Norris (Hautapu)

2.    Sam Cooper (Hamilton Old Boys)

3.    Sefo Kautai (Hamilton Marist)

4.    James Tucker (Hamilton Marist) - 50th Match

5.    James Thompson (Hautapu) - Blazer Game

6.    Hamilton Burr (Hautapu)

7.    Mitch Jacobson (Hautapu) - Captain

8.    Rupeni Tamani (Hamilton Old Boys)

9.    Cortez Ratima (Otorohanga) - Blazer Game

10.  D’Angelo Leuila (Fraser Tech)

11.  Mosese Dawai (Hautapu)

12.  Gideon Wrampling (Te Awamutu Sports)

13.  Ryan Tongia (Hamilton Marist)

14.  Liam Coombes-Fabling (Fraser Tech)

15.  Tepaea Cook-Savage (Fraser Tech)

16.  Rhys Marshall*

17.  Ayden Johnstone (Hautapu) 

18.  Tolu Fahamokioa 

19.  Tom Martin (Hamilton Marist)

20.  Te Rama Reuben (University)*

21.  Rhys Dickinson (Fraser Tech)

22.  Daniel Sinkinson (Melville)*

23.  Beaudein Waaka (Melville)

* Waikato Debut

Article added: Friday 29 October 2021