New Zealand Maori look to march on
Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:56
New Zealand Maori hope to continue their winning form when they take on Samoa in their International Rugby Board (IRB) Pacific Nations Cup encounter in Hamilton on Saturday.
Maori coach Donny Stevenson on Thursday named an experienced team for the showdown at the Waikato Stadium.
"This is the half-way mark of the competition and we have selected an experienced team for this crucial game," said Stevenson.
"While we have won our first two matches so far, we still need to improve our game."
The Samoan team was also confirmed on Thursday, but the bench is yet to be finalised.
Samoa will again be captain by lock Filipo Levi.
Teams:
New Zealand Maori: 15 Dwayne Sweeney, 14 Shannon Paku, 13 Tim Bateman, 12 Tamati Ellison (co-captain), 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Callum Bruce, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam (co-captain), 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Ross Filipo, 3
Bronson Murray, 2 Hikawera Elliot, 1 Keith Cameron.
Replacements: 16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18 Hoani MacDonald, 19 Scott Waldrom, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Jason Kawau, 22 Zar Lawrence.
Samoa: 15 Gavin Williams, 14 Esera Lauina, 13 Henry Faafili, 12 Anitelea Tuilagi, 11David Lemi, 10 Eliota Sapolu-Fuimaono, 9 Junior Polu, 8 George Stowers, 7 Semo Sititi, 6 Daniel Leo, 5 Chad Slade, 4 Filipo Levi (captain), 3 Census Johnston, 2 Loleni Tafunai, 1 James Johnston.
Replacements: 16 Kane Thompson, 17 Alafoti Faosiliva, 18 Notise Tauafao, 19 Uale Mai Jonathan, 20 Gasolo Salima, 21 AN Other, 22 AN Other.
Date: Saturday, June 21
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 16.40 (04.40 GMT)
Referee: Ian Smith (Australia)
