Waikato NPC have announced their matchday 23 to defend the Nathan Strongman memorila trophy, when the team travles over the Kaimai's to face Bay of Plenty Steamers at Tauranga Domain on Saturday afternoon.

The Nathan Strongman memorial trophy is a new challenge trophy that both Waikato and Bay of Plenty will play for, when the two sides meet in regular season games during 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 and last season both sides played the inaugural challenge with Waikato winning that match.

Head coach, Ross Filipo, has made six changes to his matchday 23. The tight five remains unchanged with the only change to the forward pack being at openside flanker, with Patrick McCurran coming off the bench replacing Mitch Jacobson.

In the backs, Taha Kemara, will link up with Cortez Ratima in the halves. Kemara starts at first five eight replacing Josh Ioane.

In the midfield, Gideon Wrampling, moves in one spot to start at inside centre replacing Quinn Tupaea. Wrampling positional switch makes room for Bailyn Sullivan to start at outside centre.

Sullivan’s move to the midfield, means Liam Coombes-Fabling, takes over on the right wing, joining Daniel Sinkinson and Tepaea Cook-Savage to make up fast paced outside backs trio.

In the reserves, Te Awamutu Sports, Austin Anderson, has a chance to make his Waikato debut from the bench. While Jack Lam makes up the final change and will provide impact for the loose forwards when called upon.

Waikato NPC take on Bay of Plenty Steamers, at Tauranga Domain, Tauranga on Saturday, kick-off is at 2.05pm:

1.    Ayden Johnstone (Hautapu) – Captain

2.    Pita Anae-Ah Sue (Hautapu)

3.    George Dyer (Fraser Tech)

4.    James Tucker (Hamilton Marist)

5.    Hamilton Burr (Hautapu)

6.    Malachi Wrampling (Hamilton Old Boys)

7.    Patrick McCurran (Fraser Tech)

8.    Simon Parker (Hautapu)

9.    Cortez Ratima (Otorohanga)

10.  Taha Kemara (Te Awamutu Sports)

11.  Daniel Sinkinson (Melville)

12.  Gideon Wrampling (Hamilton Old Boys)

13.  Bailyn Sullivan (Hamilton Marist)

14.  Liam Coombes-Fabling (Fraser Tech)

15.  Tepaea Cook-Savage (Fraser Tech)

16.  Rhys Marshall

17.  Ollie Norris (Hautapu)

18.  Solomone Tukuafu (Hamilton Old Boys)

19.  Te Rama Reuben (University)

20.  Jack Lam (Hamilton Marist)

21.  Xavier Roe (Hamilton Old Boys)

22.  Austin Anderson (Te Awamutu Sports)*

23.  Tana Tuhakaraina (United Matamata Sports)

* = Waikato Debuts

Article added: Friday 11 August 2023