Waikato name team for NPC semi-final

October 17, 2024
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Ultimate Rugby

Waikato will travel to the capital this week to face the Wellington Lions in a Bunnings NPC semi-final at Sky Stadium on Saturday night.

Head Coach, Ross Filipo, has made minimal changes to his side that beat Taranaki Bulls last weekend. The tight five and backline remain unchanged, with the only two changes to the starting XV being int he loose forwards.

Samipeni Finau returns to the All Blacks to prepare for the end of year northern tour, while Luke Jacobson has been ruled out due to a thumb injury. Their spots at blindside and openside flanker are covered by Xavier Saifoloi and Senita Lauaki respectively.

In the reserves, with Lauaki being elevated to the starting side, Patrick McCurran, returns to the matchday 23 to be loose forward’s cover.

Sean Ralph has been named in the reserves and is in line for his 18^th appearance for the province, which will earn him his Waikato Blazer.

Waikato take on the Wellington Lions in a Bunnings NPC semi-final at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Saturday night, kick-off is at 7.10pm:

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. Senita Lauaki (Hautapu)

8. Malachi Wrampling (Hamilton Old Boys)

9. Xavier Roe (Hamilton Old Boys) – Captain