Former All Black midfielder Nathan Mauger returns to the Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby side for tomorrow night's clash with Bay of Plenty in Mount Maunganui.
Mauger has recovered from a shoulder injury which ruled him out of last week's win against Manawatu. He replaces former New Zealand Sevens star Justin Wilson at centre in one of two changes Kelt Capital Magpies coach Brendon Ratcliffe has made to his starting XV for the battle of the two unbeaten Air New Zealand Cup repechage pool A teams at Blue Chip Stadium.
The other change sees Jacob Kennedy replace Commonwealth Games Sevens gold medallist Lote Raikabula on the left wing. Raikabula withdrew with a haematoma. Changes to the subs bench see Wilson in for Kennedy, Arizona Taumalolo replace prop David Briggs who has a back injury, and lock Will Crutchley for flanker Luke Ottley.
Ratcliffe said the 2.03m Crutchley will give the Magpies another lineout option. Crutchley, 21, last played for the Magpies in their round robin win against Counties- Manukau five weeks ago. Karl Lowe will provide hooker and openside flanker cover from the bench.
The Magpies had a Captain's Run at Napier's McLean Park this morning before boarding their bus for the trip north.
"I'm happy with the way we've prepared. This is a big challenge and our destiny is in our hands," said Ratcliffe.
- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY
Two changes for Hawke's Bay
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