News

The PIC Steelers will be boosted by the return of powerful loose forward Maama Vaipulu for a tough test against Canterbury at Navigation Homes Stadium on Wednesday night.

Coach Reon Graham has been able to bring the experienced Vaipulu back from injury for the second game in their storm week, while he also makes some changes in the front row from the side that beat Southland on Saturday.

Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Ioane Monanu and Suetena Asomua will start up front in an all-Super Rugby front row.

Graham has gone for a six-two split on the bench with his only back cover coming from Cohen Brady-Leatham and Blake Makiri. 

Second five AJ Alatimu and winger Peniasi Malimali will play in their blazer games.

The PIC Steelers host Canterbury from 7.05pm and can move inside the top eight with a win.

PIC Steelers v Canterbury: 1. Ezekiel Lindenmuth, 2. Ioane Moananu, 3. Suetena Asomua, 4. Jimmy Tupou, 5. James Thompson, 6. Maama Vaipulu, 7. Sean Reidy (capt), 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Liam Daniela, 10. Riley Hohepa, 11. Peniasi Malimali, 12. AJ Alatimu, 13. Tevita Ofa, 14. Joshua Gray, 15. Sione Molia. Reserves: Ian West-Stevens, Kauvaka Kaivelata, Salesi Tuifua, Sam Tuifua, Alex McRobbie, Cohen Brady-Leatham, Adam Brash, Blake Makiri.