Moore shuffles for Chiefs clash
Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:50
Highlanders coach Glenn Moore has shaken up his forward pack in an attempt to engineer a first win when the Highlanders clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday.
Coach Moore has made four changes in total to his starting fifteen - one in the backline and three amongst the forwards - as he bids to break the Highlanders' duck this season.
The only backline shuffle sees centre Johnny Leota move into midfield in place of Aaron Bancroft.
Alando Soakai comes into the side at blindside flank, replacing Tim Boys in the back row.
In the second row, Tom Donnelly is replaced by Hayden Triggs.
There is also a place in the starting XV for Clint Newland at tighthead prop. Chris King is the man to make way for Newland, and moves to the bench.
Futher changes to the front row sees Jason Macdonald make way for David Hall at hooker.
The Chiefs will be hoping to improve on their log standing of ninth with a home win, while the bottom-placed Highlanders will take any points on offer in a bid to move away from the foot of the table.
Highlanders: 15 James Wilson, 14 Paul Williams, 13 Niva Ta'auso, 12 Johnny Leota, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Daniel Bowden, 9 Jimmy Cowan (vice-captain), 8 Steven Setephano, 7 Alando Soakai, 6 Craig Newby (captain), 5 Hayden Triggs, 4 Hoani MacDonald, 3 Clint Newland, 2 David Hall, 1 Jamie Mackintosh.
Replacements: 16 Jason Macdonald, 17 Chris King, 18 Isaac Ross, 19 Adam Thomson, 20 Toby Morland, 21 Mike Delany, 22 Brett Mather.
Date: Saturday 29 March
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 17.30 (04.30 GMT)
Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
Touch judges: Jonathon White (New Zealand), Keith Brown (New Zealand)
Television match official: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
Assessor: Alan Riley (New Zealand)
