3 Nov 2010

Waikato name same team for final

12:57 pm on 3 November 2010

Waikato have named the same lineup that beat Auckland in their semi-final for Friday night's provincial rugby final against Canterbury in Christchurch.

Halfback Brendon Leonard returns to the bench after missing the Auckland match with a head injury.

Coach Chris Gibbes says it was a tough selection at No.9 as Malcolm Barnes has come in and played well in Leonard's absence but they believe this is the right combination to take on Canterbury.

Gibbes says Canterbury is a formidable opponent at home with threats right throughout their squad.

He says their main focus is doing the basics well.

Waikato:

1.

Toby Smith

2.

Aled de Malmanche

3.

Nathan White (Captain)

4.

Toby Lynn

5.

Romana Graham

6.

Dominiko Waqaniburotu

7.

Jack Lam

8.

Alex Bradley

9.

Tawera Kerr-Barlow

10.

Trent Renata

11.

Dwayne Sweeney

12.

Jackson Willison

13.

Save Tokula

14.

Henry Speight

15.

Sosene Anesi

Reserves:

16.

Hikairo Forbes

17.

Ben May

18.

Kent Fife

19.

Zak Hohneck

20.

Brendon Leonard

21.

Christian Lealiifano

22.

Tim Mikkelson