KEY POINTS:
Talented first five-eighth Willie Ripia's rugby rehabilitation from a serious Achilles tendon injury takes another significant step forward when he starts for Waikato against Counties Manukau in Hamilton on Friday night.
The 21-year-old will make his first start in the Air NZ Cup since sustaining the injury against Auckland last September, deputising for regular pivot Stephen Donald.
Junior All Blacks first five-eighth Donald has been handed a well deserved rest after a busy season which started in February with the Chiefs in the Super 14.
Since rupturing his Achilles on Eden Park, the former New Zealand under-19 representative has been recuperating gradually through the Waikato club competition.
He earned his Waikato blazer when making his 18th appearance off the bench during last Saturday's 26-47 loss to Auckland.
In other backline changes from that inexperienced line-up David Bason replaces France-bound halfback Brendon Leonard.
One-test All Blacks utility Sosene Anesi remains on the casualty list after suffering a quadriceps strain in the lead-up to last weekend's match while inspirational former captain Jono Gibbes is a longer-term absentee with knee surgery ruling him out for up to two months.
Waikato coach Warren Gatland has his usual dilemma when selecting his loose forwards with Liam Messam missing out on the starting trio for the match against a Steelers side buoyed by a 13-13 draw with North Harbour last Friday.
Messam drops to the bench for starting No 8 Steven Setephano while Steven Bates and Marty Holah, who yesterday confirmed a post-season move to Wales, add a wealth of experience to the starting trio.
Sione Laukai's return to All Blacks commitments has also facilitated a rare start for Setephano.
Prop Aled de Malmanche (back) was also unavailable for selection.
WAIKATO
Dwayne Sweeney, Jared Payne, Jackson Willison, Roimata Hansell-Pune, Roy Kinikinilau, Willie Ripia, David Bason, Steven Setephano, Marty Holah, Steven Bates, Toby Lynn, Mark Burman, Nathan White, Tom Willis (captain), Craig West.
Reserves: Lionel Wairau, Bradley Chubb, Kent Fife, Liam Messam, Josh Sutherland, Stephen Donald, James Kamana.
- NZPA
