Williams to make Canterbury debut

Aucklander Paul Williams is to get another shot at the big time, making his debut for Canterbury in the Ranfurly Shield defence against Southland on Friday night.

Williams has had two major injuries stunt his blossoming career in recent years - now he replaces Scott Hamilton on the right wing. Hamilton is having two weeks rest after being dropped by the All Blacks.

There are another two changes to the side that lost to Waikato last weekend.

Blindside flanker Reuben Thorne and loosehead prop Greg Somerville are back with the All Blacks, so Kieran Reid and Wyatt Crockett have come into the starting 15.

Canterbury:

Wyatt Crockett, Corey Flynn, Campbell Johnstone, Craig Clarke, Kevin O'Neill, Kieran Read, Johnny Leo'o, Mose Tuiali'i, Andrew Ellis, Stephen Brett, Caleb Ralph, Cameron McIntyre, Casey Laulala, Paul Williams and Ben Blair.

Reserves:

Tone Kopelani, Ben Franks, Isaac Ross, Hayden Hopgood, Kevin Senio, Tim Bateman, Nick Thomson.

- NEWSTALK ZB