Rugby: Toughen up, Mooloos told

Waikato rugby coach Chris Gibbes. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Waikato rugby coach Chris Gibbes is calling for a "hard-nosed approach" from his players against Wellington in Hamilton tomorrow night.

Gibbes wants the Mooloos, who went down 23-9 to Tasman last weekend to be 11th on the table, to bring a greater physicality to their game.

"We were very disappointed with our efforts against Tasman," he said yesterday.

"It's time to now own our game and bring a hard-nosed approach to our performance."

In the forwards, Gibbes has opted for Romana Graham to partner Kevin O'Neill at lock, and brought in up-and-coming prop Latu Talakai at tighthead for the injured Nathan White.

At halfback, Tawera Kerr-Barlow is included ahead of David Bason.

Meanwhile, injuries have ruled skipper George Whitelock and second five-eighths Ryan Crotty out of Canterbury's Ranfurly Shield rugby defence against Taranaki tomorrow.

Whitelock sprained an ankle against Bay of Plenty two weeks ago.

He played 55 minutes in the Shield defence against Otago last weekend, but a decision has been made to give his ankle a rest.

Crotty hasn't recovered from a heavy tackle in the Otago game.

Canterbury coaches Rob Penney and Tabai Matson named Matt Todd as Whitelock's replacement at openside flanker, while Tim Bateman will move in one spot to take the No 12 jersey.

Bateman will also assume the captaincy for the Air NZ Cup leaders.

Casey Laulala will start at centre.

In two other changes, hooker Corey Flynn and halfback Andy Ellis have been included in the starting 15 after coming off the bench against Otago.

Chris Small is added to the bench as back cover, while loose forward Aaron McCoy gets his first call-up into the Canterbury 22.

- NZPA