KEY POINTS:
Junior All Blacks rugby pivot Stephen Donald and No 8 Liam Messam have been restored to the starting line-up for Waikato's challenge for the Ranfurly Shield at North Harbour on Saturday.
Donald, the defending Air NZ Cup champions most experienced back, replaces William Ripia at first five-eighth for the fifth round clash which doubles as Waikato's first chance to lift the trophy since 2000.
Coach Warren Gatland has also rejigged his loose forward options, installing Messam at the back of the scrum for Steven Setephano in the only other change from the side that beat Counties-Manukau 30-8 last weekend.
One-test All Black outside back Sosene Anesi is still unavailable after suffering a quadricep strain in the lead-up to the third round clash with Auckland.
Third string halfback David Bason, deputising for All Blacks duo Byron Kelleher and Brendon Leonard, has recovered sufficiently from a head knock sustained against the Steelers to retain his place behind the pack.
Waikato
Dwayne Sweeney, Jared Payne, Roimata Hansell-Pune, Jackson Willison, Roy Kinikinilau, Stephen Donald, David Bason, Liam Messam, Marty Holah, Steven Bates, Toby Lynn, Mark Burman, Nathan White, Tom Willis (captain), Craig West.
Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Bradley Chubb, Kent Fife, Steven Setephano, Josh Sutherland, William Ripia, James Kamana.
- NZPA
