Waikato return home this week and have named their side to host Wellingtoon Lions at FMG Stadium Waikato for round 6 of the Bunnings NPC.

Head coach, Ross Filipo, has made several changes to his starting XV. There are two changes to the front row, George Dyer retains his spot at tighthead prop, but this week he joined is by loosehead prop, Ayden Johnstone and hooker, Sean Ralph. Johnstone’s return has him trading places with Ollie Norris and Ralph earns his first start of the season, which means Pita Anae-Ah Sue will provide impact from the reserves.

The second row remains unchanged, with the final changes to the forward pack being at blindside and openside flanker. Both Xavier Saifoloi and Joe Johnston have been elevated from the reserves to start at blindside and openside flanker respectively. Saifoloi’s promotion means Malachi Wrampling moves to the reserves this week. 

There is a change at halfback, Xavier Roe, has been named to start and will join Taha Kemara in the halves. Roe’s start means Cortez Ratima will provide impact from the reserves when called upon.

Tana Tuhakaraina comes in to replace Quinn Tupaea at outside centre and will combine with Austin Anderson to make up the midfield.

The final change to the starting XV is in the outside backs. Tepaea Cook-Savage moves from the right wing to fullback in place of Liam Coombes-Fabling who moves to the reserves for this match, allowing Cody Nordstrom the chance to start on the right wing.

Two starting players are in line for milestones this weekend. Both Simon Parker and Daniel Sinkinson will run on for their 18^th Waikato cap that will see them earn their Waikato Blazers.

In the reserves, Zinzan Hansen, will provide cover for the second row and has his chance to earn his second Waikato cap. Te Rama Reuben comes onto the bench and he also has a chance to earn his ninth Waikato cap.