Waikato finish off their regular season this weekend when they host Canterbury at FMG Stadium Waikato for round 9 of the Bunnings NPC

Head coach, Ross Filipo, has made four changes to his match day 23 that beat Otago last weekend. There is only one change to the forward pack, Malachi Wrampling comes off the bench and takes over at blindside flanker.

In the backline there is only one change as well. Gideon Wrampling returns to the match day 23 and takes over on the left wing for Bailyn Sullivan.

There are only three changes to the reserves, Xavier Saifoloi, Jack Lam and Quinn Tupaea, all return and will provide impact from the bench when called upon.

Three players are in line to celebrate milestones this weekend. Pita Anae-Ah Sue celebrates his 18^th game milestone and will be reward with his Waikato blazer.

Ollie Norris has a chance to bring up his 50^th cap when he comes on to the field and Quintony Ngatai could play his 3^rd match for Waikato earning him his Waikato tie.

Waikato host Canterbury at FMG Stadium Waikato, on Saturday afternoon, kick-off is at 2:05pm:

1.     Ayden Johnstone (Hautapu) - Captain

2.    Pita Anae-Ah Sue (Hautapu) – Blazer Game (18^th Waikato game)

3.    George Dyer (Fraser Tech)

4.    James Tucker (Hamilton Marist)

5.    Hamilton Burr (Hautapu)

6.    Malachi Wrampling (Hamilton Old Boys)

7.    Joe Johnston

8.    Simon Parker (Hautapu)

9.    Xavier Roe (Hamilton Old Boys)

10.  Aaron Cruden

11.  Gideon Wrampling (Hamilton Old Boys)

12.  Austin Anderson (Te Awamutu Sports)

13.  Tana Tuhakaraina (United Matamata Sports)

14.  Tepaea Cook-Savage (Fraser Tech)

15.  Daniel Sinkinson (Melville)

16.  Sean Ralph (Te Awamutu Sports)

17.  Ollie Norris (Hautapu) – 50^th Waikato game

18.  Solomone Tukuafu (Hamilton Old Boys)

19.  Laghlan McWhannell (Hautapu)

20.  Xavier Saifoloi (University)

21.  Jack Lam (Hamilton Marist)

22.  Quintony Ngatai (Hautapu)

23.  Quinn Tupaea (Hamilton Old Boys)

Article added: Friday 29 September 2023