Rugby: Vaipulu returns for Steelers

Maama Vaipulu has returned to the Counties team to play Waikato. Photo / Getty

The Steelers have made just one change to the starting XV that beat Tasman for tomorrow night's must-win Premiership clash with Waikato at the newly renamed FMG Stadium in Hamilton.

No 8 Maama Vaipulu returns in place of the injured Dan Hyatt, with Jordan Taufua shifting to blindside flanker.

The Steelers are on 18 competition points and still harbour slim semifinal hopes, while Waikato are in a battle to stave off relegation. Last year in Hamilton, Waikato edged their Chiefs cousins 26-21.

Waikato have made two changes, with prop Ben Tameifuna back from suspension and Whetu Douglas slotting back onto the side of the scrum.

"This is a hugely important game with Counties sitting one point above us and coming off a strong win over Tasman," said Waikato head coach Sean Botherway. "After three tough games in 12 days, we are ready to throw everything at Counties on Friday night in our final home game of the season."

The curtainraiser is the Women's WPC match between Waikato and Counties Manukau. Kickoff is at 5.00pm.

Waikato: Shaun Stevenson, Regan Ware, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordan Payne, Dylan Collier, Damian McKenzie, Brad Weber (co-c), Adam Burn, Mitch Jacobson, Whetu Douglas, Peni Iowane, James Tucker, Josh Hohneck, Hame Faiva, Ben Tameifuna; Reserves: Tyrone Te Ruruku, Tau Koloamatangi, Joe Walsh, Zane Kapeli, Josh Tyrell, Harrison Levien, Wharenui Hawera, Chancy Edwardson

Counties Manukau: Toni Pulu, Frank Halai, Sam Vaka, Cardiff Vaega, Sione Fifita, Piers Francis, Richard Judd, Maama Vaipulu, Sam Henwood, Jordan Taufua, Viliame Rarasea, Jimmy Tupou (c), Jarrod Firth, Gafatasi Sua, Pauliasi Manu; Reserves: Michael Lea, Sean Bagshaw, Sam Aiono, Sikeli Nabou, Onosa'i Auva'a, Pele Cowley, Willie Walker, Johnny Fa'auli