Steelers looking to man up
Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:16
Counties Manukau have rung the changes as they try to bounce back against Otago in their Air New Zealand Cup clash in Auckland on Thursday.
The Steelers suffered a demoralising 7-64 defeat at the hands of high-flying Wellington at the Westpac Stadium last Friday.
Coach Greg Aldous has made four personnel changes to his side, with fullback Tim Nanai-Williams, centre Romi Ropati, scrumhalf Kevin Farrell and flank Viliame Fihaki all missing out this week.
They are replaced by David Raikuna, Tanner Vili, Samisoni Fisilau and Gary Saifoloi in the starting XV for the Otago clash.
Raikuna moves to the left wing for the match, into the spot vacated by Siale Piutau, who moves to fullback.
Dean Cummins moves from pivot to take up position at inside centre, while Tanner Vili slots into flyhalf.
Samisoni Fisilau will do duty at scrumhalf, while Gary Saifoloi slots in at No.8 in the run-on team, with Fritz Lee moving to No.7 flank.
All Blacks Sevens star DJ Forbes takes over the No.6 jersey.
Furthermore, tighthead prop Jayden Murch is bracketed with Eugene Beneke, and a call is expected to be made on that position at a later date.
Counties Manukau: 15 Siale Piutau, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Niva Ta'auso, 12 Dean Cummins, 11 David Raikuna, 10 Tanner Vili, 9 Samisoni Fisilau, 8 Gary Saifoloi, 7 Fritz Lee, 6 DJ Forbes, 5 Andrew Van der Heijden (captain), 4 Jamie Chipman, 3 Jayden Murch/Eugene Beneke, 2 Lance Po-ching, 1 Simon Lemalu.
Replacements: 16 Ilaisa Maasi, 17 Eugene Beneke/Rob Katu, 18 Rupeni Nasiga, 19 Viliami Fihaki, 20 Romi Ropati, 21 Kevin Farrell, 22 Sherwin Stowers.
Date: Thursday, August 21
Venue: Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland
Kick-off: 19.05 (07.05 GMT)
Referee: Josh Noonan
Television match official: Matt Stanish
