Four new caps in Canty Bulls revamped line-up

Injuries have forced Canterbury Bulls coach Darrell Coad to unleash four debutants on the Central Vipers at AMI Stadium on Saturday.

The unbeaten Bulls, who lead the national premiership, have a lengthy casualty list after a bruising 34-18 win over the Akarana Falcons last Sunday.

Jiordan Fidow-Kele, Tyler Tirikatene, Isaac Misky and Penitito Ilalio will earn their first Bulls caps.

‘‘It’s a great opportunity for the guys coming in and I think they all deserve their call ups,’’ Coad said.

The Vipers need to win to stay in the finals race with just one win on the board this season.

Bulls vice captain Aga Fiso, impressive winger Sua Ailloilo, centre Jordan Kane and second row forwards Phil Nati and Phil Lavea are injured but none of them are serious.

Coad has demanded his experienced players stand up against the Vipers.

‘‘We really need the likes of Chris (Bamford), James (Baxendale) and Kyle Leka to lead the way and show why we are at the top of the table,’’ Coad said.

He was expecting a big game from Paul Sauni who gets his first start of the season in the back row.

‘‘Paul’s a very experienced player and he will be fired up for a big game,’’ Coad said.

Sauni joins brothers Erwin and Matt who were standouts against Akarana.

Fidow-Kele, 19, returned this season after spending time in the Canberra Raiders NYC set up.

He follows in the foot steps of older brother Thoren who represented the South Island Scorpions in 2012.

Their father Tala Kele was a regular figure in the Canterbury rugby team during the 1990s.

Tirikatene, 19, was a standout for the Northern Bulldogs during its winless season.

Not originally named in the Bulls 24 man squad, Tirikatene has forced his way in after impressing since being called in to the Bulls camp.

‘‘Tyler’s been with us most of the season, he always works hard at training and he will be fizzing on Saturday,’’ Coad said.

‘‘I’ve got a lot of confidence in him, he’s from a strong league family and it will be a great thrill for them to see him play for the Bulls at AMI Stadium.’’

The Otago-based Misky has come into the squad to cover for Nathan Saumalu who will miss the end of the campaign due to heading overseas.

Halswell winger Ilalio gets a chance in the starting team due to Ailloilo’s injury but Coad said he has been in red hot form for Canterbury in the South Island Inter District competition.

Meanwhile, the unbeaten Canterbury take on Tasman in the final of that competition at Leslie Park at midday on Saturday.