Boshier, Vaa’i back for Waikato match

After recovering from injury, Yarrows Taranaki Bulls flanker Lachlan Boshier and lock Tupou Vaa’i are set to return to the side which takes on Waikato at the FGM Stadium in Hamilton tomorrow afternoon.

Boshier, who has been named on the bench for the cross-over Mitre 10 Cup and Ryan Wheeler Memorial Trophy match, sustained a shoulder injury in Taranaki’s Ranfurly Shield effort against Otago nearly a month ago.

Vaa’i returns to the starting XV after injuring his ankle in the first half of Taranaki’s match against Tasman.

Head coach Willie Rickards said both players have recovered well and are an integral part of the group.

‘‘While Tupou and Lachlan have been sidelined, they have continued to contribute and add value in other areas that are important to the team.

‘‘Lachie brings impressive leadership qualities and a competitive edge.

‘‘Additionally, Tups’ ball playing ability and physicality is valued greatly by the team.

‘‘It’s great that both these boys are back in time for an important match against a Chris Gawler (19 caps) Ricky Riccitelli (24) Donald Brighouse (7) Tupou Vaa’i (7) Mitch Brown (c) (35) Heiden Bedwell-Curtis (7) Tom Florence (16) Pita Gus Sowakula (22) Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (39) Stephen Perofeta (30) Jackson Ormond (64) Teihorangi Walden (18) Sean Wainui (41) Waisake Naholo (42) Jayson Potroz (11)

Bradley Slater (6) Jared Proffit (30) Kyle Stewart (13) Kaylum Boshier (8) Lachlan Boshier (36) Lisati Milo-Harris (6) Daniel Waite (14) Matty McKenzie (4) Unavailable for selection: Reuben O’Neill (ankle), Jesse Parete (concussion), Kini Naholo (hamstring), Lukas Halls (knee) and Brayton Northcott-Hill (shoulder). Unavailable for the season: Manasa Mataele (knee) and Fin Hoeata (shoulder). strong Waikato side.’’

Rickards said Waikato always bring an extra edge when they compete for the Ryan Wheeler Memorial Trophy, which the Mooloos currently hold.

Wheeler, who tragically lost his life in Sydney in 2000, made a total of 88 appearances for Taranaki, Bay of Plenty and Waikato.

Rickards has made only a couple of changes to the side that beat Southland

19-0 last week.

Halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi returns to the starting XV and will play his

40th match for the amber and blacks. The inclusion means Lisati Milo-Harris drops back to the bench.

Lock Jesse Parete remains sidelined due to concussion sustained in the match against Bay of Plenty and Kaylum Boshier is on the bench as loose forward cover.

First five-eighth Daniel Waite returns to the reserves and outside back Matty McKenzie has retained his spot on the pine.

Coastal prop Chris Gawler will play in his 20th blazer match for the Bulls.

Rickards said the extra turn around, after playing the Thursday night before last, has helped the team recover physically and are ready for the trip to Hamilton.

Waikato sit in sixth place on the premiership standings with two wins and

17 points, six ahead of Counties Manukau. With two weeks to play in the competition, a win is vital for the Bulls to ensure a semifinal berth and takes away relying on other results to go their way.

Kick off is at 4.35pm.