It's All Black for struggling Waikato
Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:08
All Blacks Stephen Donald and Sione Lauaki will start for the struggling Waikato team in their Air New Zealand Cup Round Four match against North Harbour in Albany on Sunday.
Waikato are currently in 10th place on the 14-team standings, having failed to win any of their matches to date.
First five-eighth (No.10) Donald, who will start at first five-eighth, is set to enjoy his first game in the red, yellow and black jersey this season.
The 24-year-old will combine with Callum Bruce at second five-eighth (No.12) and Jackson Willison moves out one place this week to play at outside centre. Scrumhalf Malcolm Barnes returns from injury to start in the No.9 jersey, with David Bason ruled out of contention with a hamstring strain.
Waikato coach Tony Hanks said: "the midfield combination is the right one for this match. Callum is a proven, quality No.12 and considering Jackson's form of late, he had to be in the mix."
Lauaki's return, combined with illness to openside flank Tom Harding, has forced changes to the Waikato loose forward trio this week. Lauaki will start at No.8, Faifili Levave stays on the blindside and captain Liam Messam moves to the openside.
"Liam has the skill set to play at No.7 and we have every confidence in his ability to be able to play all three loose forward positions at this high level. He has great rapport with both Sione and Faifili and this will go along way to ensuring this is a strong combination."
Harding was not considered for selection after being unable to train all week due to a flu-like illness. Matt Blain, who debuted for Waikato off the bench last week against Manawatu, will provide specialist openside cover from the reserves.
The Waikato front row also has a new look this week with hooker Vern Kamo set to start in the No.2 jersey for Waikato for the first time. Kamo, who has returned from a knee injury has five Waikato caps to his name, but all appearances have been off the bench.
Kamo will be supported by Hikairo Forbes at loosehead, and up and coming prop Toby Smith who will enjoy his first start in the No.3 jersey. Smith has played one game for Waikato in the preseason match against Bay of Plenty last month.
"It is great to have Vern back in contention and enjoying his first start as hooker for Waikato. He has been part of the squad for a few years now but injuries have hampered his progress. While Toby [Smith] is a young guy who has come to us via our high performance programme, he was recently a member of the New Zealand Under-20 team and is a player who has made great gains in the last few months," said Hanks.
At 19, Smith is the youngest member of the Waikato Air New Zealand Cup squad.
"Sunday's match is an important game for both Waikato and North Harbour. It is a challenge we are looking forward to," said Hanks.
Players not considered due to injury or illness include Craig West (pelvis), Nathan White (back), David Bason (hamstring), Aled de Malmanche (ribs), Romana Graham (knee) and Tom Harding (flu)
Waikato: 15 Sosene Anesi, 14 Tim Mikkelson, 13 Jackson Willison, 12 Callum Bruce, 11 Henry Speight, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Malcolm Barnes, 8 Sione Lauaki, 7 Liam Messam (captain), 6 Faifili Levave, 5 Kevin O'Neill , 4 Toby Lynn, 3 Toby Smith, 2 Vern Kamo, 1 Hikairo Forbes.
Replacements: 16 Ole Avei, 17 Josh Hohneck, 18 Kent Fife, 19 Matt Blain, 20 Josh Sutherland, 21 Roimata Hansell-Pune, 22 Dwayne Sweeney.
Date: Sunday, August 24
Venue: North Harbour Stadium, Albany
Kick-off: 14.35 (02.35 GMT)
Referee: Matt Stanish
TMO: Ben Skeen
