Leonard back for 'awesome' Final
Waikato coach Chris Gibbes named an unchanged starting XV for his team’s NPC Final against Canterbury in Christchurch on Friday.
While the starting line-up is the same as that which conquered Auckland in the final seconds of the semifinal last week, the addition of Brendon Leonard – who returns to the side after a head injury during the Northland game in Round 10 – is a major boost to the side.
The All Black scrumhalf, Leonard, will play off the bench.
“It’s exciting to have Brendon back in the matchday 22, as he brings a great deal of experience and leadership,” Gibbes said.
“This was a tough selection at No.9, as Malcolm Barnes has come in and played well for us in Brendon’s absence – but we believe this is the right combination to take to Christchurch.”
Gibbes is confident of his men lowering Canterbury’s colours and preventing the home team from winning as third successive NPC title.
“The boys have worked hard this year and are looking forward to the opportunity that this game presents,” the coach said.
“It’s awesome to be in the final especially against a team such as Canterbury.
“Canterbury is a formidable opponent at home with threats right throughout their squad.
“If we gift them our possession or miss tackles they can hurt us anywhere on the field, so our main focus is doing the basics well.
“We are ready.”
Utility back Richard Kahui (shoulder), lock Chris Middleton (shoulder injury), wing Frank Halai (thumb injury), hooker Vern Kamo (shoulder injury), loose forward Steven Setephano (calf injury), loose forward Matt Vant Leven (concussion) and wing Sitiveni Sivivatu (knee injury) were not considered for selection due to injury.
Waikato: 15 Sosene Anesi, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Save Tokula, 12 Jackson Willison, 11 Dwayne Sweeney, 10 Trent Renata, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Alex Bradley, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Romana Graham, 4 Toby Lynn, 3 Nathan White (captain), 2 Aled de Malmanche, 1 Toby Smith.
Replacements: 16 Hikairo Forbes, 17 Ben May, 18 Kent Fife, 19 Zak Hohneck, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Christian Lealiifano, 22 Tim Mikkelson.
Date: Friday, November 5
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)
Referee: Jonathon White
Assistant referees: Glen Jackson, Kane McBride
TMO: Nick Briant
