Waikato NPC have named their matchday 23 as they return to FMG Stadium Waikato to face Bay of Plenty Steamers for the inaugural Nathan Strongman Memorial trophy, in round 9 of the Bunnings National Provincial Championship.

The Nathan Strongman Memorial trophy is a new challenge trophy both Waikato and Bay of Plenty will contest for when the two sides meet in provincial rugby. Nathan Strongman played all his club rugby here in the Waikato for his beloved Fraser Tech Rugby Club but played his provincial rugby for Bay of Plenty. Tragically Nathan passed away in 2020, so to honour his memory both teams decided to create this new challenge trophy.

Head coach, Ross Filipo, has made minimal changes to his side this week. There is only one change to the front row as Ollie Norris comes in at loosehead prop for Ayden Johnstone, while Rhys Marshall and Sefo Kautai retain their starting positions.

In the second row, Hamilton Burr, has been named at lock joining Laghlan McWhannell in the second row. Burr’s positional switch means Samipeni Finau moves from number 8 back to blindside flanker and Luke Jacobson returns from All Blacks duty to anchor the back of the scrum.

In the backs, there is only one change as Mosese Dawai returns to the starting XV and will start on the right wing, trading places with Liam Coombes-Fabling who will provide impact from the reserves.

The only change in the reserves has, Rob Cobb, come onto the bench and will provide lossehead prop cover.

Waikato take on Bay of Plenty Steamers at FMG Stadium Waikato on Sunday afternoon, kick-off is at 4.35pm:

1.    Ollie Norris (Hautapu)

2.    Rhys Marshall

3.    Sefo Kautai (Hamilton Marist)

4.    Hamilton Burr (Hautapu)

5.    Laghlan McWhannell (Hautapu)

6.    Samipeni Finau (Hamilton Old Boys)

7.    Mitch Jacobson (Hautapu) – Captain

8.    Luke Jacobson (Hautapu)

9.    Xavier Roe (Hamilton Old Boys)

10.  Damian McKenzie (University)

11.  Daniel Sinkinson (Melville)

12.  D’Angelo Leuila (Fraser Tech)

13.  Bailyn Sullivan (Hamilton Marist)

14.  Mosese Dawai (Otorohanga)

15.  Tepaea Cook-Savage (Fraser Tech)

16.  Pita Anae Ah-Sue (Southern United)

17.  Rob Cobb (Hamilton Old Boys)

18.  George Dyer (Fraser Tech)

19.  Patrick McCurran (Fraser Tech)

20.  Jack Lam (Hamilton Marist)

21.  Cortez Ratima (Otorohanga)

22.  Tana Tuhakaraina (United Matamata Sports)

23.  Liam Coombes-Fabling (Fraser Tech)

Article added: Saturday 01 October 2022