Canterbury name Shield defence team

Openside flanker Hayden Hopgood will captain the Canterbury rugby team for the second time tomorrow after leading them to a successful defence of the Ranfurly Shield against South Canterbury last week.

Canterbury will defend the shield against Wairarapa Bush at Jade Stadium in an afternoon match tomorrow.

Several players have been given time off - Caleb Ralph, Johnny Leo'o and Mose Tuiali'i among them.

Ben Blair, Andrew Ellis, Aaron Bancroft, Paul Williams and Cameron McIntyre were not considered for the game because of injury.

Canterbury:

Steven Yates, Nick Thomson, Tim Bateman, Ben Nowell, Mike Davis, Stephen Brett, Matt France, Peter Nixon, Hayden Hopgood (captain), Kieran Read, Kevin O'Neill, Isaac Ross, Campbell Johnstone, Tone Kopelani, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves:

Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Craig Clarke, Mikaele Tuu'u, Kevin Senio, Hamish Gard, Casey Laulala.

- NZPA