Donald slots into Waikato line-up

Talented back Stephen Donald earns his first starting spot for Waikato tomorrow night when they face Otago in Dunedin in round six of the NPC.

Donald has been named at first five-eighths, with David Hill shifting out to second five-eighths and Keith Lowen to centre.

The 20-year-old is new to Waikato this year, having played his last three seasons in the second division for Counties Manukau.

A New Zealand age-group rugby representative, Donald was the top points scorer in the second division last year with 110. He is the only change to the Waikato starting line-up who beat Northland last week.

Derek Maisey, who has been out for most of the season recovering from a broken ankle, makes his return to the team via the bench.

Also among the substitutes are veteran halfback Rhys Duggan and rookie centre Richard Kahui.

"I've increased the number of five-eighths within the team this week," coach John Mitchell said. "This backline mix gives us more versatility and attacking options.

"It is also good to have experience to call on in the reserves."

- NZPA

Teams

Waikato

Isaac Boss, Sosene Anesi, Keith Lowen, David Hill, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Byron Kelleher, Steven Bates, Marty Holah, Jono Gibbes (c), Sean Hohneck, Josh Sole, Deacon Manu, Scott Linklater, Michael Collins

Otago

Glen Horton, Ben Smith, Seilala Mapusua, Jason Kawau, Neil Brew, Berquist/Barron, Danny Lee, Grant Webb, Tom Harding, Blackie/Thomson, Simon Maling, James Ryan, Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver (c), Carl Hoeft

Dunedin, 7.35pm Friday