Muliaina named, though still under injury cloud

All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina has tentatively emerged from an injury scare to be provisionally named in a full-strength Waikato team for Saturday night's Air New Zealand Cup rugby semifinal against Otago in Hamilton.

Muliaina, a 42-test veteran, remains in doubt after injuring a bicep during practice on Tuesday but coach Warren Gatland today opted to name him in his run-on side with a final decision on his availability made closer to kickoff.

First choice pivot Stephen Donald has also been named despite sustaining a badly bruised knee during last weekend's quarterfinal against Southland at Waikato Stadium.

A final decision on his prospects will also be made before the 7.35pm start.

A quartet of first choice players make their return for the semifinal - loosehead prop Craig West, lock Jono Gibbes, captain and blindside flanker Steven Bates, plus halfback Byron Kelleher.

They return as Gatland, like Auckland counterpart Pat Lam, juggles the impressive playing depth of his squad.

"These players give us fresh legs," he said.

"It means that nearly a third of our team for Saturday did not start last week and that is a bonus at this stage of the competition."

Waikato:

Mils Muliaina, Sosene Anesi, Richard Kahui, David Hill, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Byron Kelleher, Sione Lauaki, Marty Holah, Steven Bates (captain), Keith Robinson, Jono Gibbes, Nathan White, Tom Willis, Craig West.

Reserves:

Scott Linklater, Aled de Malmanche, Toby Lynn, Liam Messam, Brendon Leonard, Dwayne Sweeney, Roy Kinikinilau.

- NZPA