Waikato make five changes for Stan Thomas Memorial trophy defence

By Waikato Rugby

Waikato Herald·

29 Aug, 2024 05:30 AM2 mins to read

Tepaea Cook-Savage retains his spot on the Waikato bench after returning from the Paris 2024 Olympics. Photo / Photosport

Waikato Rugby have named their matchday 23 to defend the Stan Thomas Memorial trophy against Auckland in round four of the Bunnings Warehouse NPC at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday afternoon.

Waikato are the current holders of the memorial trophy after a successful challenge in 2022 and then defending the silverware last season in Auckland.

The Stan Thomas Memorial trophy is a challenge trophy that is competed for between the two provinces.

Head coach Ross Filipo has made five changes to his matchday 23.

The forward pack remains unchanged from last weekend, with the only changes to the starting XV being in the backs.

Aaron Cruden moves off the bench to start at first five-eighth, forming a formidable inside-back pairing with captain Xavier Roe.

Austin Anderson returns to the starting side and takes over from Quinn Tupaea at inside centre.

The final change is the left wing, with Aki Tuivailala named to make his fourth appearance for the province.

In the reserves, Sean Ralph, Mason Tupaea, Solomone Tukuafu, Xavier Saifoloi, Quintony Ngatai and Tepaea Cook-Savage all retained their spots from last week.

Tukuafu has a chance to play his 18th cap for Waikato from the reserves, earning him his Waikato blazer.

There are two potential debuts this weekend. Hamilton Marist lock Josh Balme and University outside back Jole Naufahu have both been named in the reserves and have their chance to make their Waikato debuts.

Waikato face Auckland in game two of the double header at FMG Stadium Waikato at 4.35pm.

This follows game one which features Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC and the Auckland Storm at 2.05pm.