| New Zealand Heartland XV named for first match | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New Zealand Heartland XV Coach Craig Scanlan has named his team for their first match against Vanua Fiji XV in Taupo this evening (kick off 5pm).
The team will be led by Thames Valley captain and former Chiefs player Alex Bradley. The team is:
Injuries to Shaun Hill, Simon Lilicama and Nick Strachan has seen Sam McCahon (Thames Valley), Willie Paia’aua (Horowhenua Kapiti) and Callum McDonald (Poverty Bay) brought into the squad. Coach Craig Scanlon said the players had come together well in the build up to this first match. “We knew we were bringing a great group of rugby players together but it has been pleasing to see just how well they have bonded and taken on board what it is we want to achieve as a team. “The goal is to not overload them and make sure they have the confidence to go out there and show why it is they deserve to be in this black jersey,” said Scanlon. Former Chiefs and Waikato loose forward Alex Bradley captains the team, with vice captains Craig Clare and Ralph Darling. The New Zealand Heartland XV have one more fixture after today’s match against New Zealand Marist, also at Owen Delany Park in Taupo on Sunday. |
