Waikato have named their side to host Tasman Mako at FMG Stadium Waikato in round 7 of the Bunnings NPC on Sunday afternoon.

Head coach, Ross Filipo, has made minimal changes to his side that beat Hawke’s Bay Magpies last weekend.

The front row, second row and the entire backline remains the same with the only changes to the starting XV being in the loose forwards. All Blacks duo of Samipeni Finau and Luke Jacobson return to international duty this week, so Xavier Saifoloi and Patrick McCurran come off the bench and return to blindside and openside flanker respectively.

In the reserves, Sean Ralph, Ayden Johnstone and Jole Naufahu all retain their spots from last week. While Gabe Robinson, Tai Cribb, Senita Lauaki and Aaron Cruden return to the matchday 23 and have a chance to add to their provincial caps when called upon.

Waikato take on Tasman Mako in round 7 of the Bunnings NPC at FMG Stadium Waikato on Sunday afternoon, kick-off is at 1.05pm:

1.    Ollie Norris (Hautapu)

2.    Manaaki Boyle-Tiatia (University)

3.    George Dyer (Fraser Tech)

4.    Josh Balme (Hamilton Marist)

5.    Laghlan McWhannell (Hautapu)

6.    Xavier Saifoloi (University)

7.    Patrick McCurran (Fraser Tech)

8.    Malachi Wrampling (Hamilton Old Boys)

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

10.  D’Angelo Leuila (Fraser Tech)

11.  Aki Tuivailala (Hamilton Old Boys)

12.  Gideon Wrampling (Hamilton Old Boys)

13.  Bailyn Sullivan (Hamilton Marist)

14.  Quinn Tupaea (Hamilton Old Boys)

15.  Tepaea Cook-Savage (Fraser Tech)

16.  Sean Ralph (Te Awamutu Sports)

17.  Ayden Johnstone (Hautapu) – Co-Captain

18.  Gabe Robinson (Hamilton Marist)

19.  Tai Cribb (Hamilton Marist)

20.  Senita Lauaki (Hautapu)

21.  Quintony Ngatai (Hautapu)

22.  Aaron Cruden (Morrinsville Sports)

23.  Jole Naufahu (University)

Article added: Friday 20 September 2024