Rugby: All Blacks to start for Waikato

All Black halfback Brendon Leonard will get some much needed game time for Waikato this weekend. Photo / Getty Images

All Blacks Brendon Leonard and Aled de Malmanche will get valuable game time for Waikato in their Air NZ Cup rugby match against Manawatu in Hamilton on Saturday.

De Malmanche, who will start at hooker, has just four minutes under his belt for the All Blacks so far this season.

His international involvement is likely to increase for the remainder of the Tri-Nations following the season-ending chest injury suffered by veteran hooker Keven Mealamu.

Leonard replaces David Bason at halfback in the only change to the backline. Leonard has played just two tests this year, both disappointing starts in the defeat of Italy and loss to South Africa in Bloemfontein.

Waikato coach Chris Gibbes welcomed the pair following his team's 16-6 loss to Southland last weekend.

"It is obviously great to see both Aled and Brendon coming into the team and we're looking for them to add value and be part of what has already been built and worked on by our squad so far," he said.

In the loose forwards, Sione Lauaki is set to make his first appearance of the season for Waikato at No 8, with captain Liam Messam moving to the blindside and Jack Lam starting again at openside.

Waikato
Sosene Anesi, Tim Mikkelson, Roimata Hansell-Pune, Callum Bruce, Dwayne Sweeney, Sam Christie, Brendon Leonard, Sione Lauaki, Jack Lam, Liam Messam (captain), Romana Graham, Toby Lynn, Ben May, Aled de Malmanche, Hikairo Forbes.

Reserves: Ole Avei, Kieran Ramage, Kent Fife, Jordan Smiler, David Bason, Trent Renata, Save Tokula

- NZPA