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Dominiko Waqaniburotu - Source: Photosport -
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Waikato is excited by the challenge of taking on Southland in the opening round of the Air New Zealand Cup campaign this Saturday night in Invercargill.
Waikato coach Chris Gibbes said: "Our team knows it will be a big challenge on Saturday night. Our boys are excited by the opportunity to take on Southland first up in this competition."
Gibbes has selected an experienced front row with Ben May at loosehead prop, Ole Avei at hooker, and Nathan White at tighthead. Between them these forwards have played nearly 80 Air New Zealand Cup matches.
Meanwhile in the loose forwards captain Liam Messam will combine with new player Jack Lam (openside) and Dominiko Waqaniburotu (blindside).
Lam played for nine games for Tasman in last year's Air New Zealand Cup and enjoyed his first cap for the Mooloos last Friday. Fijian-born Waqaniburotu will run out for his second game for the province following his debut last week.
In the backs, Roimata Hansell-Pune gets the nod to start at centre, combining with Callum Bruce at second-five-eighth and Sam Christie at first five-eighth. Save Tokula provides midfield and wing cover off the bench.
"The twenty-two players travelling to Invercargill tomorrow will do the job well for Waikato," said Gibbes.
"Southland is certainly a good side and they have consistency with their coaches and players. We know they'll be keen to build on their success of last year. It is going to be a good battle on Saturday night."
Waikato: Ben May, Ole Avei, Nathan White, Toby Lynn, Kent Fife, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Jack Lam, Liam Messam (capt), David Bason, Sam Christie, Dwayne Sweeney, Callum Bruce, Roimata Hansell-Pune, Tim Mikkelson, Sosene Anesi.
Res: 16. Vern Kamo, 17. Keiran Ramage, 18. Romana Graham, 19. Jordan Smiler, 20. Josh Sutherland, 21. Trent Renata, 22. Save Tokula.
