Waikato prop Craig West makes a welcome return to rugby this Friday night when the Mooloos take on Tasman at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.

West, 28, has spent the past four months recovering from a pelvic injury.  With 28 games in the front row for Waikato under his belt, West’s experience will be a boost for the Waikato team. 

West’s inclusion is one of only two changes to the Waikato starting line-up from last week.  The other change sees halfback David Bason starting in the number nine jersey, with Josh Sutherland offering cover from the bench.  Malcolm Barnes was not considered this week due to a knee strain.

Waikato coach Tony Hanks said: “the team is excited to be playing at home this week.  It is set to be a tough encounter with both teams keen to notch their first win of the competition.  We were obviously disappointed to lose to Northland last week. But we’ve responded by working hard at training this week and building on the positives of our game.”

“It is also great news to have Craig back in contention.  He is a solid, hard working front rower, with great experience behind him.  It will be good to see him combine with Oli at hooker and Aled at tighthead prop.”

Waikato takes on Tasman at Waikato Stadium on Friday 8 August, in week two of the Air New Zealand Cup. Kick off is 7.35pm. 

1. Craig West
2. Oli Avei
3. Aled de Malmanche
4. Toby Lynn
5. Kevin O’Neill
6. Faifili Levave
7. Tom Harding
8. Liam Messam (captain)
9. David Bason
10. Callum Bruce
11. Tim Mikkelson
12. Roimata Hansell-Pune
13. Jackson Willison
14. Sosene Anesi
15.  Dwayne Sweeney
16. Hikairo Forbes
17. Josh Hohneck
18. Kent Fife
19. Jordan Smiler
20. Josh Sutherland
21. Trent Renata
22. James Kamana

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