Canterbury name strong side to headline Ray White’s Biggest Open Home

Senior prop Daniel Lienert-Brown returns to the number one jumper for Ray White’s Biggest Open home clash against Northland on Sunday.

DLB, who earnt his second blazer (62 caps) for Canterbury in last week’s win over Hawke’s Bay, will be joined by Shilo Klien at hooker, who returns after not featuring in last two weeks and back up rake Brodie McAlister, who’s been out for 3 weeks with a shoulder injury.  

“It’s always good to have cavalry coming back online at this time of year” said forwards coach Craig Dunlea.  

“We got through three games in 10 days with three great results and not too many dinged up players, so we’re really focused on the next phase of our year.” 

Luke Romano packs down alongside Sam Darry in the second row, with the loose forward trio remaining the same.  

Willi Heinz gets his second start of the season at halfback, pairing up with Fergus Burke at 10.  

Dallas McLeod slots back into the starting midfield alongside Rameka Poihipi at 12, while George Bridge, Ngatungane Punivai and Chay Fihaki will continue their electric combination in the back three. 

“It’s been great for our guys to form strong, consistent combinations. We know what they’re capable of, which is exciting rugby, we’re certainly looking forward to more of that,” said back Coach Alex Robertson.  

Along with McAlister, Tamaiti Williams and Seb Calder will provide front row cover, with Dominic Gardiner and Liam Allen adding their impact to the second row and loose forwards.  

Mitch Drummond, Alex Harford and Isaiah Punivai have been named in jerseys 21, 22 & 23.  

“It really a testament to the whole squad, we have genuine competition in all positions so picking the best suited 23 is a real challenge, we know Northland are coming here to show their success this year is no fluke.” said Head Coach Marty Bourke, “The whole team knows it’s going to be a real good test for us this weekend and we look forward to playing in front our passionate supporters once again.”  

Bourke also added a message to the Canterbury fans, calling on them to add their voice to the crowd at Orangetheory Stadium. “There’s nothing better than afternoon rugby, our boys are playing exciting footy, and we’d love the people of Canterbury to be there, enjoying themselves and being proud of their team, as we saw on weekend the value of our supporters is great as it helped us pull through that last 20 minutes to get the result over Hawkes Bay.”