Waikato go with same lineup for final

Waikato coach Warren Gatland has predictably named an unchanged team from last week for Saturday's national provincial rugby final against Wellington in Hamilton.

Although lock Keith Robinson, pivot Stephen Donald and wing Sosene Anesi have been on a regulated training regime this week, the trio have all been included in the starting line-up who beat Otago 44-15 last weekend.

Waikato won the old NPC in the first year the finals' format was introduced (1992) but have come up empty since, last appearing in the final in 2002 when they were beaten by Auckland.

However, they qualified as top seed for the new Top Six format in the Air New Zealand Cup this season and beat Southland and Otago in the quarter and semifinals to make the final.

Waikato have dropped only one game this season, a 21-24 loss to Otago at Carisbrook in August, though they avenged that defeat with an emphatic win last Saturday. Their only other blemish was a 22-22 draw with Auckland in the Top Six on September 16.

"Our team has really grown up this season," said Gatland, who guided them to a disappointing seventh last year in his first year in charge.

"It is a great achievement to be playing in the final. This is important for Waikato rugby now and in the future."

Meanwhile, about 3000 tickets were available today for the 25,000 capacity venue. Kick-off is at 7.35pm.

Waikato:

Mils Muliaina, Sosene Anesi, Richard Kahui, David Hill, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Byron Kelleher, Sione Lauaki, Marty Holah, Steven Bates (captain), Keith Robinson, Jono Gibbes, Nathan White, Tom Willis, Craig West.

Reserves:

Scott Linklater, Aled de Malmanche, Toby Lynn, Liam Messam, Brendon Leonard, Dwayne Sweeney, Roy Kinikinilau.

- NZPA