Rugby: Ranfurly Shield challengers chosen

Steelform Wanganui coach Jason Caskey has settled on his final squad of 23 to challenge Canterbury for the Ranfurly Shield at AMI Stadium on Wednesday night.

Of the extended squad of 26 who played Manawatu Evergreens this week, four have been omitted while Collegiate fullback Cody Hemi was not considered because of a broken jaw.

Previously injured props Viki Tofa and Hamish Mellow will also return to the squad, while halfback Lindsay Horrocks is cleared to play despite receiving stitches in his nose from the Wednesday night game.

The squad will train together at Cooks Gardens on Sunday morning and again on Tuesday evening, with the starting XV to be confirmed at the start of the week.

The squad is

Forwards: Cole Baldwin (Border); Sam Dawson (Kaierau); Campbell Hart (Ruapehu); Bryn Hudson (Ngamatapouri); Jamie Hughes (Ruapehu); Sokonaia Kalou (Border); Sam Madams (Marist); Hamish Mellow (Border); Karl Parker (Ruapehu); Peter Rowe (Ruapehu); Ranato Tikoisolomone (Border); Viki Tofa (Marist); Roman Tutauha (Ruapehu).

Backs: Craig Clare (Ruapehu); Cameron Crowley (Marist); Kaveni Dabenaise (Border); Simon Dibben (Marist); Lindsay Horrocks (Border); Faalele Iosua (Pirates); Samu Kubunavanua (Ngamatapouri); Ace Malo (Kaierau); Timoci Seruwalu (Ngamatapouri); Dane Whale (Taihape).