Sivivatu ruled out of Waikato team

Waikato's joy at welcoming back their All Blacks wing Sitiveni Sivivatu was shortlived when he was ruled out of their NPC rugby match against Southland today.

Sivivatu was named in the team for Sunday's first division match this morning, but several hours later was ruled out after failing a fitness test on his calf muscle injury.

His place will be taken by Dwayne Sweeney, with Willy Ripia coming into the reserves.

Sivivatu missed the All Blacks' first two Tri-Nations matches this month with the calf injury, but appeared to have recovered in time for the trip to Invercargill.

It means just one change to the starting 15 who beat Taranaki 30-6 in the season opener last Friday.

All Blacks loose forward Sione Lauaki will wear the No 6 jersey in his first start since the third test against the Lions on July 9 when he was forced off with a knee injury.

But there was no room for another All Blacks loose forward, Marty Holah, in the starting side.

Holah was named on the bench, with Liam Messam taking the No 7 jersey.

Waikato coach Warren Gatland said Holah's late arrival from Sydney after the Tri-Nations test last Saturday was a factor.

"I wanted to try Liam at No 7 this week, particularly after his fantastic game with Waikato last week," Gatland said.

"I'm happy to accommodate the All Blacks selectors in giving these guys a run.

"In regard to Marty, due to his commitments in Australia this week, he only has his first training with us today (Friday) so it made sense to put him on the bench."

In another change to the bench, prop Philemon Toleafoa returns after recovering from a knee injury.

* Waikato team:

Sosene Anesi, Richard Kahui, Mark Ranby, David Hill, Dwayne Sweeney, Stephen Donald, Isaac Boss, Steven Bates (captain), Liam Messam, Sione Lauaki, Sean Hohneck, Toby Lynn, Deacon Manu, Scott Linklater, Sam Biddles. Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Philemon Toleafoa, Mark Burman, Marty Holah, Brendon Leonard, Derek Maisey, Willy Ripia.

- NZPA