Waikato Pre Season Game Three

Mooloo Men Set For Final Preseason Clash

23rd July 2009 10:37AM

Prop Ben May and loose forward Dominiko Waqaniburotu are set to earn their first Waikato caps this Friday afternoon when the Mooloos take on Taranaki in their final preseason match at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.

May, who transferred from Tasman, is an experienced Air New Zealand Cup campaigner having played 33 games at this level of rugby. He starts at loosehead prop, joined by Vern Kamo at hooker and Nathan White at prop.

Waqaniburotu, 23, has been a Waikato Development player for the past two years and will start at blindside flanker, combining with Jordan Smiler on the openside, and captain Liam Messam at number eight.

Meanwhile, prop Nathan White makes a welcome return to wearing the red, yellow and black jersey having last played for Waikato in a first-class game back in September 2007 in the round robin of the Air New Zealand Cup. White has spent the past two years recovering from a back injury.

In the backs Sam Christie will start at number 10 for the Mooloos. Despite six Waikato games to his name, it will be Christie's first start for his province. He will combine with Callum Bruce at second five-eighth and Jackson Willison at centre.

Walkato coach Chris Gibbes said: "there has been a lot of learning and growing this week within our squad. Friday is an important preseason match in terms of preparing our players for the opening round game against Southland in the Air New Zealand Cup next week."

"The guys have trained hard this week and are looking forward to the intensity this game will bring."

"For the guys that will have the opportunity to wear the colours for the first time it will be a proud moment and that alone will mean a lot to them."

The two teams will be playing for the Ryan Wheeler Memorial Trophy on Friday. The trophy, in memory of former Waikato and Taranaki rugby player Ryan Wheeler, is up for contention every time Waikato and Taranaki meet in a first class match. Waikato currently holds the trophy.

Waikato takes on Taranaki in their final preseason fixture at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Friday 24 July. Kick off is 3.00pm. Gates open at 2.30pm and entry is only through gates 3 and 4.

General admission applies. Tickets are $10 for adults, children get free entry and Season Members receive complimentary entry upon display of their card.



The Waikato team is:

1.Ben May
2.Vern Kamo
3.Nathan White
4.Toby Lynn
5.Kent Fife
6.Dominiko Waqaniburotu
7.Jordan Smiler
8.Liam Messam (captain)
9.David Bason
10.Sam Christie
11.Dwayne Sweeney
12.Callum Bruce
13.Jackson Willison
14.Tim Mikkelson
15.Sosene Anesi

Reserves: 16. Ole Avei, 17. Keiran Ramage, 18. Romana Graham, 19. Jack Lam, 20. Josh Sutherland, 21. Trent Renata, 22. Roimata Hansell-Pune

[Source: This is sourced from Mooloo.co.nz]