Injury to bulldozing No 8 Sione Lauaki has forced a loose forward shuffle to the Waikato team to face Canterbury in Friday's Air NZ Cup rugby match against Canterbury in Christchurch.
Lauaki damaged a ligament in his foot during last weekend's 30-22 defeat of Manawatu and wasn't considered.
In the only change from last week, he is replaced by Jordan Smiler, who comes onto the blindside flank and pushes captain Liam Messam to the back of the scrum.
On the reserve bench, Chiefs lock Kevin O'Neill is introduced after shaking off a rib strain. He will sit alongside prop Nathan White, who has overcome a rib strain.
Waikato
Sosene Anesi, Tim Mikkelson, Roimata Hansell-Pune, Callum Bruce, Dwayne Sweeney, Sam Christie, Brendon Leonard, Liam Messam (captain), Jack Lam, Jordan Smiler, Romana Graham, Toby Lynn, Ben May, Aled de Malmanche, Hikairo Forbes. Reserves: Ole Avei, Nathan White, Kevin O'Neill, Ray Allen, David Bason, Trent Renata, Save Tokula
- NZPA
Rugby: Lauaki out of Canterbury clash
Sione Lauaki is out of Friday night's match against Canterbury with a foot injury. Photo / Getty Images
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