Waikato NPC have named their matchday 23 to face Bay of Plenty Steamers for the second week in a row this time in a Bunnings NPC quarter final at FMG Stadium Waikato on Sunday afternoon.

This game will be a rematch of last weekend’s nail biter that saw Waikato come back from 20 points down with 20 minutes remaining to steal a 35-34 victory at the death to lock up a home quarter final.

Head coach, Ross Filipo, has made several changes to the side that narrowly beat Bay of Plenty last weekend.

Hooker, Rhys Marshall, retains his play in the front row but is joined by co-captain, Ayden Johnstone, at loosehead prop and George Dyer at tighthead prop. With the inclusion of Johnstone and Dyer both Ollie Norris and Sefo Kautai move to the reserves this week to provide impact from the bench.

The only other change to the forward pack has, Patrick McCurran, replace Samipeni Finau at blindside flanker. McCurran joins the Jacobson brothesr to make up a formidable loose forward trio.

There are only two changes to the backline, Anton Lienert-Brown, makes his long-awaited return to rugby and will start at inside centre linking up with Bailyn Sullivan. Lienert-Brown’s return means D’Angelo Leuila moves to the reserves for this match. Finally, Liam Coombes-Fabling comes off the bench to replace Mosese Dawai on the right wing.

In the reserves James Tucker returns to the matchday 23 and will provide second row cover. Jack Lam has a chance to celebrate a milestone this week; Lam will make his 50th appearance for the province as loose forward cover.

Waikato take on Bay of Plenty Steamers in the Bunnings NPC quarter final at FMg Stadium Waikato on Sunday afternoon, kick-off is at 2.05pm:

1.    Ayden Johnstone (Hautapu) - Co-Captain

2.    Rhys Marshall

3.    George Dyer (Fraser Tech)

4.    Hamilton Burr (Hautapu)

5.    Laghlan McWhannell (Hautapu)

6.    Patrick McCurran (Fraser Tech)

7.    Mitch Jacobson (Hautapu) – Co-Captain

8.    Luke Jacobson (Hautapu)

9.    Xavier Roe (Hamilton Old Boys)

10.  Damian McKenzie (University)

11.  Daniel Sinkinson (Melville)

12.  Anton Lienert-Brown (Fraser Tech)

13.  Bailyn Sullivan (Hamilton Marist)

14.  Liam Coombes-Fabling (Fraser Tech)

15.  Tepaea Cook-Savage (Fraser Tech)

16.  Pita Anae Ah-Sue (Southern United)

17.  Ollie Norris (Hautapu)

18.  Sefo Kautai (Hamilton Marist)

19.  James Tucker (Hamilton Marist)

20.  Jack Lam (Hamilton Marist)

21.  Cortez Ratima (Otorohanga)

22.  D’Angelo Leuila (Fraser Tech)

23.  Tana Tuhakaraina (United Matamata Sports)

Article added: Friday 07 October 2022