Waikato have announced their matchday 23 to face Otago for another home away from home match at Rotorua International Stadium, in round 10 of the 2021 Bunnings Warehouse NPC.

Due to Hamilton continuing to be in alert level 3, Waikato are unable to play at FMG Stadium Waikato. So with the help from the Bay of Plenty Rugby union the game has been moved to Rotorua International Stadium. 

Head coach, Ross Filipo, has made seven changes to his matchday 23 that beat Bay of Plenty last weekend. 

There is a new front row combination, Ayden Johnstone, returns to the starting XV and will take over the captaincy. Johnstone is joined in the front row by last week Waikato debutant, Rhys Marshall, who starts at Hooker and George Dyer returns to start at tighthead prop. Both Ollie Norris and Sefo Kautai will provide impact from the reserves.

In the backs, Bailyn Sullivan, returns to start at centre pushing Ryan Tongia back to fullback for this match.

The final changes to the matchday 23 will see the return of Steven Misa, Jack Lam and Fletcher Smith via the bench.

Find the Matchday Programme here 

Waikato take on Otago at Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua on Friday night, kick-off is at 7.05pm:

1.    Ayden Johnstone (Hautapu) - Captain

2.    Rhys Marshall

3.    George Dyer (Fraser Tech)

4.    James Tucker (Hamilton Marist) 

5.    James Thompson (Hautapu) 

6.    Hamilton Burr (Hautapu)

7.    Mitch Jacobson (Hautapu)

8.    Rupeni Tamani (Hamilton Old Boys)

9.    Cortez Ratima (Otorohanga) 

10.  D’Angelo Leuila (Fraser Tech)

11.  Mosese Dawai (Hautapu)

12.  Gideon Wrampling (Te Awamutu Sports)

13.  Bailyn Sullivan (Hamilton Marist)

14.  Liam Coombes-Fabling (Fraser Tech)

15.  Ryan Tongia (Hamilton Marist)

16.  Steven Misa (Hamilton Marist)

17.  Ollie Norris (Hautapu)

18.  Sefo Kautai (Hamilton Marist)

19.  Tom Martin (Hamilton Marist)

20.  Jack Lam (Hamilton Marist)

21.  Rhys Dickinson (Fraser Tech)

22.  Fletcher Smith (University)

23.  Beaudein Waaka (Melville)

Article added: Thursday 04 November 2021