Waikato v Southland
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Both teams should be named tomorrow for the Wed night fixture.
From a Waikato perspective, it was interesting that Messam played the entire game against Auckland, and Marshall was only subbed with a few minutes to go. That points to neither starting this game, or in Messam's situation, even being in the 23. Rotation for the props with Cobb and Tukuafu returning, Lam (if fit) playing, and Ratima starting at halfback. Hopefully Leuila is back as the 2nd 5 options are still thin.
Southland are never easy despite their current injuries and lack of depth.
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Wee bit worried about halves pairing. Ratima has been a bit slow at getting to ruck and getting ball away at times. But he needs minutes to sharpen up. Really hope he and Kemara can gel. Glad Dmac on bench as insurance but was hoping Finau would be there and Norris starting to get lots of go forward.
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1 Paula Latu, 2 Sam Stewart, 3 Niko Manaena, 4 Caleb Aperahama, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 6 Joe Robins, 7 Hayden Michaels, 8 Arese Poliko, 9 Jay Renton, 10 Marty Banks, 11 Solomon Alaimalo, 12 Willie Tufui, 13 Viliami Fine, 14 Michael Manson, 15 Robbie Robinson
Reserves: 16 Jacob Payne, 17 Joe Walsh, 18 Morgan Mitchell, 19 Grayson Knapp, 20 Jacob Coghlan, 21 Jakob Morrison, 22 Jack Macleod, 23 Rory van Vugt