
Waikato have named their matchday 23 for game two of their storm week as they get set to host the Northland Taniwha for round 4 of the Bunnings NPC at FMG Stadium Waikato on Wednesday night.
Head coach, Ross Filipo, has made multiple changes to his matchday 23. Filipo has named a brand-new front row, co-captain Ayden Johnstone returns to the starting XV and takes over at loosehead prop from Ollie Norris who moves to the reserves for this match. Sean Ralph has been promoted from the reserves to start at hooker and Solomone Tukuafu get a start at tighthead prop. Both Manaaki Boyle-Tiatia and George Dyer are being rested for this match.
After a successful debut over the weekend, Josh Balme, has been named in the second-row trading places with Tai Cribb who moves to the reserve for this match. Balme will becoming the locking partner of regular starter, Laghlan McWhannell, who is the only tight five player to retain his place.
There is a new loose forward trio, Senita Lauaki is the only player from the last match to remain in the starting lineup, however he moves from openside flanker to number 8. Lauaki’s position changes means Oli Mathis comes off the bench to start at openside flanker and Xavier Saifoloi takes over at blindside flanker. Both Malachi Wrampling and Patrick McCurran are being rested as well.
In the backs, Quintony Ngatai, has been named at starting at halfback swapping places with co-captain Xavier Roe and Tepaea Cook-Savage gets a start at first five eight, taking over from Aaron Cruden who is also being rested.
There is a new centre pairing for this match, as the final changes to the starting XV. Austin Anderson retains his spot at inside centre, but he is joined by Gideon Wrampling at outside centre as he returns to the starting XV. Wrampling’s return has Bailyn Sullivan move to the reserves.
In the reserves, Pita Anae-Ah Sue returns to the matchday 23 and has been named at hooker cover. D’Angelo Leuila returns from his stint with Samoa in the Pacific Nations Cup and takes his place on the bench.
There are two player that have a chance to make their Waikato debuts from the reserves. Hamilton Marist duo of prop, Gabe Robinson, and loose forward, Adrein Wharawhara, both have a chance to earn their first Waikato caps.
Waikato take on Northland in game 2 of storm week for round 4 of the Bunnings NPC at FMG Stadium Waikato, on Wednesday night, kick-off is at 7.05pm:
1. Ayden Johnstone (Hautapu) – Co-Captain
2. Sean Ralph (Te Awamutu Sports)
3. Solomone Tukuafu (Hamilton Old Boys)
4. Josh Balme (Hamilton Marist)
5. Laghlan McWhannell (Hautapu)
6. Xavier Saifoloi (University)
7. Oli Mathis (University)
8. Senita Lauaki (Hautapu)
9. Quintony Ngatai (Hautapu)
10. Tepaea Cook-Savage (Fraser Tech)
11. Aki Tuivailala (Hamilton Old Boys)
12. Austin Anderson (Te Awamutu Sports)
13. Gideon Wrampling (Hamilton Old Boys)
14. Daniel Sinkinson (Suburbs)
15. Josh Moorby (Te Awamutu Sports)
16. Pita Anae-Ah Sue (Hautapu)
17. Ollie Norris (Hautapu)
18. Gabe Robinson (Hamilton Marist)*
19. Tai Cribb (Hamilton Marist)
20. Adrein Wharawhara (Hamilton Marist)*
21. Xavier Roe (Hamilton Old Boys) – Co-Captain
22. D’Angelo Leuila (Fraser Tech)
23. Bailyn Sullivan (Hamilton Marist)
* = Waikato Debuts
Article added: Tuesday 03 September 2024
Waikato Rugby
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Gate 5 / 128 Seddon Road, Whitiora 3204
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