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Canterbury team to play Northland
9/09/2010 10:31:41 a.m.
There are six changes to the Canterbury starting line-up named today to play Northland in an ITM Cup match in Whangarei on Saturday.
Hooker Steve Fualau, prop Peter Borlase and Luke Romano replace Corey Flynn, Owen Franks and Sam Whitelock, who are on All Blacks duty.
No8 Ash Parker comes in for Nasi Manu, who injured an ankle in the victory over Bay of Plenty last weekend.
Sonny Bill Williams starts at second-five, replacing Ryan Crotty, who sprained his left foot again against Bay of Plenty, and Patrick Osborne comes on to the right wing, replacing Tu Umaga-Marshall, who injured a shoulder in the same match.
New Brighton hooker Marcel Cummings-Toon comes on to the bench for Paul Ngauamo, who is unavailable due to a family bereavement.
Halfback Willi Heinz is available after recovering from a broken hand suffered in the match against Hawke’s Bay and is on the reserves bench.
Canterbury assistant coach Tabai Matson is wary of the firepower in Northland’s backline. He said: “They’re playing with a lot of confidence at the moment and we’re going to have to be on the ball defensively.
“Northland are always tough to beat at home and Canterbury sides have traditionally struggled in Whangarei.”
The Canterbury team have been out in the community visiting refuge centres and helping with the clean-up following Saturday’s earthquake in the region.
Matson added that it was important the players were fully focused on the game come kick-off.
“Physically they will be ready but it’s imperative that they’re mentally ready too.”
The Canterbury team to play Northland in an ITM Cup match at the Northland Events Centre on Saturday, September 11, kick-off 4.30pm, is:
- Wyatt Crockett
- Steve Fualau
- Peter Borlase
- Luke Romano
- Isaac Ross
- Matt Todd
- George Whitelock (c)
- Ash Parker
- Andy Ellis
- Stephen Brett
- Telusa Veainu
- Sonny Bill Williams
- Robbie Fruean
- Patrick Osborne
- Sean Maitland
Reserves:
- Marcel Cummings-Toon
- Andrew Olorenshaw
- Rob Verbakel
- Brendon O’Connor
- Willi Heinz
- Sam Monaghan
- Robbie Flynn
Unavailable due to All Blacks commitments: Richie McCaw, Brad Thorn, Kieran Read, Colin Slade, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Sam Whitelock. Rehab: Dan Carter (ankle).
CRFU
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