Waikato named to defend the Stan Thomas Memorial against Auckland.


Waikato named to defend the Stan Thomas Memorial against Auckland.

Waikato have named their matchday 23 to defend the Stan Thomas Memorial trophy against Auckland in round 4 of the Bunnings NPC at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday afternoon.

Waikato are the current holders of the Stan Thomas Memorial trophy after a successful challenge in 2022 and then defended the trophy last season in Auckland. The Stan Thomas Memorial trophy is a challenge trophy that is competed for between the two provinces.

Head coach, Ross Filipo, has made five changes to his matchday 23. The forward pack remains unchanged from last weekend with the only changes to the starting XV being in the backs.

Aaron Cruden comes off the bench to start at First Five Eight forming a formidable pairing with captain, Xavier Roe. Austin Anderson returns to the starting side and takes over from Quinn Tupaea at inside centre and the final change being on the left wing with Aki Tuivailala named to make his fourth appearance for the province.

In the reserves, Sean Ralph, Mason Tupaea, Solomone Tukuafu, Xavier Saifoloi, Quintony Ngatai and Tepaea Cook-Savage all retain their spots from last week.

Tukuafu has a chance to play his 18th cap for Waikato from the reserves, which will earn him his Waikato Blazer.

There are two potential debuts this weekend. Hamilton Marist lock, Josh Balme and University outside back, Jole Naufahu, have both been named in the reserves and have their chance to make their Waikato debuts.

Waikato face Auckland in game two of the double header at FMG Stadium Waikato, following game one which features Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC taking on Auckland Storm, kick-off 2.05pm.

Waikato take on Auckland in round 4 of the Bunnings NPC at FMG Stadium Waikato, on Saturday afternoon, kick-off is at 4.35pm:

1.    Ollie Norris (Hautapu)

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) – Captain

10.  Aaron Cruden (Morrinsville Sports)

11.  Aki Tuivailala (Hamilton Old Boys)

12.  Austin Anderson (Te Awamutu Sports)

13.  Bailyn Sullivan (Hamilton Marist)

14.  Daniel Sinkinson (Suburbs)

15.  Josh Moorby (Te Awamutu Sports)

 

16.  Sean Ralph (Te Awamutu Sports)

17.  Mason Tupaea (Hamilton Marist)

18.  Solomone Tukuafu (Hamilton Old Boys) – Blazer game (18th Waikato cap)

19.  Josh Balme (Hamilton Marist)*

20.  Xavier Saifoloi (University)

21.  Quintony Ngatai (Hautapu)

22.  Tepaea Cook-Savage (Fraser Tech)

23.  Jole Naufahu (University)*

* = Waikato Debuts


Article added: Thursday 29 August 2024

 

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