Sweeney gets chance to start for Waikato

Versatile back Dwayne Sweeney will start at centre for Waikato in Saturday's NPC rugby match against Bay of Plenty at Waikato Stadium.

The 21-year-old back has played most his games off the bench for Waikato, but coach Warren Gatland has promoted him to start in the midfield alongside David Hill at second five-eighth and Stephen Donald at first five-eighth.

The other change to the Waikato backline from last week sees winger Richard Kahui returning to the team after recovering from a bruised knee suffered in the Canterbury match two weeks ago.

Gatland hasn't altered the forward combination with the exception of Toby Lynn, who has been bracketed with young lock Mark Burman.

Lynn is under an injury cloud with knee and ankle problems and a decision on whether he will start will be made closer to game day.

Gatland said Waikato were keen to finish their season strongly after they slipped from semifinal contention following losses to Canterbury and North Harbour.

"The guys will be playing for pride in this weekend's match," he said.

"While a semifinal spot is no longer a reality, there is still the motivation to finish well in this competition. There is a lot to play for in this weekend's match up against the Bay which is being touted as a Chiefs trial."

The match kicks off at 5.30pm.

Waikato: Sosene Anesi, Richard Kahui, Dwayne Sweeney, David Hill, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Byron Kelleher, Steven Bates (captain), Marty Holah, Liam Messam, Sean Hohneck, Toby Lynn/Mark Burman, Deacon Manu, Scott Linklater, Philemon Toleafoa. Reserves: Aled de Malmanche/Ted Tuaroa, Nathan White, Mark Burman/Marc Morunga, Steven Setephano, Brendon Leonard, Mark Ranby, William Ripia.

- NZPA