Waikato have named their squad for round 2 of the Bunnings NPC when they travel to Pukekohe to face Counties Manukau at Navigation Homes Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Head coach, Ross Filipo, has made several cahnges to his side for round 2. In the front row co-captain, Ayden Johnstone, comes off the bench to start at loosehead prop, which will see him run out for his 50th Waiakto cap, facing teh same opposition he first made his debut against back in 2016. Johnstone joins Manaaki Boyle-Tiatia adn George Dyer who retain their spots in the front row. Ollie Norris moves to the reserves to provide impact when called upon.

Tai Cribb also comes off the bench to take over from James Tucker who will miss this match. Cribb will join Laghlan McWhannell, who keeps his place in the second row.

In the loose forwards, Malachi Wrampling and Patrick McCurran keep their spots at blindside flanker and number 8 respectively, with the only change being at openside flanker. Senita Lauaki, has been handed a run on Waikato debut. Lauaki is the younger brother of Waikato legend, Sione Lauaki, who was Waikato cap 1038 and played a total of 21 games between 2005-09.

In the halves, co-captain, Xavier Roe, keeps the halfback spot but is joined by, Taha Kemara, who comes off the bench to start at first five eight. D’Angelo Leuila rejoins the Samoan squad as they prepare for the Pacific Nations.

The midfield remains unchanged with the final changes to the starting XV being in the outside backs. Gideon Wrampling holds his spot on the left wing but this week he is joined by Daniel Sinkinson who starts on the right wing and Austin Anderson gets the nod at fullback. With the inclusion of Sinkinson, Newton Tudreu moves to the reserves and Josh Moorby misses the match due to concussion protocols.

In the reserves Pita Anae-Ah Sue, Solomone Tukuafu, Andrew Smith, Oli Mathis and Quintony Ngatai all retain their spots in the reserves. While Mason Tupaea and Aaron Cruden have been included to the matchday 23 and have a chance to add to their Waikato caps.

Waikato take on Counties Manuaku in round 2 of the Bunnings NPC at Navigation Homes Stadium, on Sunday afternoon, kick-off is at 4.35pm:

1.    Ayden Johnstone (Hautapu) – Co-Captain 50^th Waikato Cap

2.    Manaaki Boyle-Tiatia (University)

3.    George Dyer (Fraser Tech)

4.    Tai Cribb (Hamilton Marist)

5.    Laghlan McWhannell (Hautapu)

6.    Malachi Wrampling (Hamilton Old Boys)

7.    Senita Lauaki (Hautapu) *

8.    Patrick McCurran (Fraser Tech)  

9.    Xavier Roe (Hamilton Old Boys) – Co-Captain

10.  Taha Kemara (Te Awamutu Sports)

11.  Gideon Wrampling (Hamilton Old Boys)

12.  Quinn Tupaea (Hamilton Old Boys)

13.  Bailyn Sullivan (Hamilton Marist)

14.  Daniel Sinkinson (Suburbs)

15.  Austin Anderson (Te Awamutu Sports)

16.  Pita Anae-Ah Sue (Hautapu)

17.  Mason Tuapea (Hamilton Marist)

18.  Solomone Tukuafu (Hamilton Old Boys)

19.  Ollie Norris (Hautapu)

20.  Oli Mathis (University)

21.  Quintony Ngatai (Hautapu)

22.  Aaron Cruden (Morrinsville Sports)

23.  Newton Tudreu (Hamilton Marist)

* = Waikato Debuts

Article added: Saturday 17 August 2024