Lauaki back in action

Powerful loose forward Sione Lauaki is on the Waikato reserves bench for Saturday's rugby match against Otago in Dunedin.

Lauaki, 25, has not played since tearing his pectoral muscle in the Chiefs-Bulls match in April.

All Black Sitiveni Sivivatu has been withdrawn with a shoulder injury.

Prop Sam Biddles earns a recall and Tom Willis starts at hooker for Craig West and Scott Linklater.