Rugby: Donald, Muliaina to face Manawatu

Stephen Donald. Photo / Getty Images

First five Stephen Donald and fullback Mils Muliaina will carry Waikato's hopes on their shoulders as their shape up to take on Manawatu in the penultimate round of the national provincial rugby championship at Palmerston North on Thursday.

All Black Muliaina will start his second consecutive match for the province this season after starring in last week's win over Otago while coach Chris Gibbes will be looking for Donald to carry on with his strong form since returning from injury last month.

Waikato are currently third in the standings with 36 points and with just eight points separating the top seven teams, need a bonus point win to keep in the race for a semifinal spot.

Changes to Waikato's tight forwards include Ben May moving into the loosehead prop position and Vern Kamo staying at hooker with Aled de Malmanche's groin injury.

Kent Fife comes into the team to cover the reserve lock position and in the loose forwards, Matt Vant Leven comes off the bench for the blindside flanker's role.

Malcolm Barnes starts at halfback because of injury to regular Tawera Kerr-Barlow and David Bason will stand ready from the bench.

Second five Jackson Willison returns to the starting lineup after sustaining a head injury against Northland two weeks ago.

Waikato team to play Manawatu
Mils Muliaina, Sosene Anesi, Save Tokula, Jackson Willison, Henry Speight, Stephen Donald, Malcolm Barnes, Alex Bradley, Jack Lam, Matt Vant Leven,Romana Graham, Toby Lynn, Nathan White (captain), Vern Kamo, Ben May.

Reserves: Hikairo Forbes, Toby Smith, Kent Fife, Zak Hohneck, David Bason, Christian Lealiifano, Dwayne Sweeney.

- NZPA