News

PIC Steelers coach Reon Graham has confirmed a settled line-up for Sunday’s win or go home match against Otago at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

A win over the southerners could secure the PIC Steelers a spot in the quarter-finals, depending on other results, while a loss would see their campaign come to an end.

Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Ian West-Stevens and Suetena Asomua are picked in the starting side with Ioane Moananu, Kauvaka Kaivelata and Lionel Evans coming off the bench up front.

Jimmy Tupou and James Thompson are the locks with a strong loose forward trio in Maama Vaipulu, skipper Sean Reidy and former All Black Hoskins Sotutu completing the starting pack.

Patumahoe pairing Liam Daniela and Riley Hohepa form the inside back combination while Sione Molia is preferred at second-five, joining the in-form Tevita Ofa in the mid-field.

A dangerous back three of Peniasi Malimali, Josh Gray and Etene Nanai-Seturo will provide plenty of punch with ball in hand.

The PIC Steelers sit one point behind eighth placed Waikato heading into the final round. Waikato face a tough challenge against Canterbury on Saturday afternoon while 10^th placed North Harbour, sitting one point behind the PIC Steelers, travels to New Plymouth to face Taranaki on Saturday night.

The PIC Steelers will need to finish in front of both Waikato and North Harbour to make the quarter-finals.

Their game against Otago kicks off at 2.05pm.

PIC Steelers: 1. Ezekiel Lindenmuth, 2. Ian West-Stevens, 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. Sione Molia, 13. Tevita Ofa, 15. Etene Nanai-Seturo. Reserves: Ioane Moananu, Kauvaka Kaivelata, Lionel Evans, William Furniss, Adam Brash, Cohen Brady-Leathem, Ahsee Tuala, Blake Makiri.