Cantebury rookies gear up to defend Shield
The four players have been named in the starting fifteen are set to make their provincial debut for Canterbury.
In the forwards, flank Sam Godwin will debut as vice-captain of the side, while in the backs Brett Cameron, Ngane Punivai and Mark Maitland will all wear the red and black jersey for the first time.
Jack Stratton will captain the side from scrumhalf.
Delaney said it was exciting to name 10 debutants in the 23-man side:
"The Ranfurly Shield is a coveted trophy of provincial rugby in New Zealand, and we are thrilled to be able to give a number of young players the opportunity to be a part of the history of the Shield.
"Wanganui are the current holders of the Meads Cup so we are well aware of the threat they pose and expect a tough contest on Wednesday night," Delaney said.
Teams:
Canterbury: 15 Mark Maitland, 14 Ngane Punivai, 13 Poasa Waqanibau, 12 Michael Green, 11 Marshall Suckling, 10 Brett Cameron, 9 Jack Stratton (captain), 8 Dylan Nel, 7 Billy Harmon, 6 Sam Godwin, 5 Hamish Dalzell, 4 Mitchell Dunshea, 3 Oliver Jager, 2 Nick Werahiko, 1 Chris Gawler.
Replacements: 16 Feleti Kaitu’u, 17 Joel Hintz, 18 Jack Straker, 19 Jonathan Osborne, 20 JJ Manning, 21 Steve Alfeld, 22 Finn Strawbridge, 23 Caleb Makene.
Wanganui: TBC
Date: Wednesday, June 21
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: TBC
Assistant referees: TBC
