Rugby: Whitelock back on deck while Waikato unchanged

George Whitelock. Photo / Getty Images

Canterbury have reclaimed captain George Whitelock from the casualty ward while Waikato have stayed with an unchanged side for tomorrow's national rugby decider.

Whitelock has recovered from a knee injury and taken over the leadership from Wyatt Crockett but has been switched to blindside flanker duties as Canterbury shoot for their third consecutive title.

The impressive Matt Todd will continue to wear the No 7 jersey while blindsider Ash Parker has been pushed to the reserves to accommodate his captain.

Meanwhile, Waikato have kept the side which beat Auckland in last week's thriller with an injury time converted try to continue their quest for a first crown since 2006.

They have tweaked the reserves with halfback Brendon Leonard back on the bench after recovering from concussion.

Since the first division championship began in 1976, Waikato's only other title was in 1992 when their victory was soured by the controversy surrounding Richard Loe's eye-gouging offence.

While Leonard has recovered, his impact will have to be from the bench, with Tawera Kerr-Barlow holding on to the halfback duties.

Waikato's preparation this week has been about lowering their mistake rate and increasing their defensive accuracy for their rematch after convincingly winning 26-6 against Canterbury a fortnight ago.

"Canterbury is a formidable opponent at home with threats right throughout their squad," said Waikato coach Chris Gibbes.

"If we gift them our possession or miss tackles they can hurt us anywhere on the field, so our main focus is doing the basics well.

"We are ready."

Canterbury, likewise, were prepared for a lift in finals intensity.

"We will be preparing for a tough battle," coach Rob Penney said.