Rugby: Muliaina returns for Waikato

Mils Muliaina. Photo / Getty Images

All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina returns to action for Waikato for their national provincial championship rugby match against Otago in Hamilton on Friday night.

Muliaina was originally expected to miss the entire championship after he was earmarked to rest ahead of New Zealand's northern hemisphere tour next month.

However, he told All Blacks coach Graham Henry he wanted some game time, hence his selection today by Waikato coach Chris Gibbes.

In other changes, Gibbes has named Tawera Kerr-Barlow to start at halfback in place of the injured Brendon Leonard, while Vern Kamo will start at hooker as a replacement for the injured Aled de Malmanche.

Waikato: Mils Muliaina, Sosene Anesi, Save Tokula, Christian Lealiifano, Henry Speight, Stephen Donald, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Alex Bradley, Jack Lam, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Romana Graham, Toby Lynn, Nathan White (captain), Vern Kamo, Toby Smith.

Reserves: Hikairo Forbes, Ben May, Matt Vant Leven, Zak Hohneck, Malcolm Barnes, Trent Renata, Frank Halai.

Otago: Chris Small, Joe Hill, Josh Tatupu, Glenn Dickson, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Chris Noakes, Sean Romans, Charlie O'Connell, Alando Soakai (captain), Hoani Matenga, Hayden Triggs, Josh Townsend, Halani Aulika, Peter Mirrielees, Sam Hibbard.

Reserves: Wyatt McKay, Blair Young, Paul Grant, Brad Cameron, Johnny Legg, Paula Kinikinilau, Ryan Shortland.

- NZPA