Lions rest Garden-Bachop

Jackson Garden-Bachop has been given a rest for this Saturday’s Wellington Lions clash with Waikato in Hamilton.

The impressive first-five is on the bench, with Dan Kirkpatrick making his first start in the Lions’ 10 jersey since 2009 in one of six changes to the starting team.

Kirkpatrick has been deputy to Garden-Bachop in five of Wellington’s six games this season, and he will start alongside half back Sheridan Rangihuna in a new halves pairing.

‘‘There are a couple of injuries there,’’ coach Chris Gibbes said of his changed squad, ‘‘but it’s mostly about opportunity and building depth.

‘‘The guys who have come in have the chance to put their hands up and state their case and I’m sure they’ll do that against Waikato.’’

Kirkpatrick is no stranger to the Lions jersey, making his 30th appearance in total on Saturday, including his sixth of the season.

After debuting in 2007 at the tender age of 18, Kirkpatrick had a successful stint overseas before returning to Wellington from France this year.

Elsewhere, the backline is unchanged from the one which battered Canterbury on Sunday, with Julian Savea again captaining the side from the right wing.

The pack sees four changes, however, with James Blackwell ruled out due to a shoulder complaint. Mateaki Kafatolu switches to blindside as a result, with Du’Plessis Kirifi moving into the seven jersey.

Will Mangos is in at lock for the second time this season, due to Isaia Walker-Leawere’s scheduled shoulder surgery.

Jeff To’omaga-Allen’s callup to All Blacks camp means Alex Fidow is back into the starting side at tighthead prop, alongside Sitiveni Paongo at loosehead ahead of Tolu Fahamokioa.

Meanwhile, Billy Proctor of Marist St Pats and Northern United lock Chris Middleton are both likely to make their Lions debuts off the bench.