Canterbury prepare for Wednesday night under lights against Counties Manukau

Canterbury have shuffled their line up for their mid-week clash with Counties Manukau, as they look to bounce back in the second match of their Storm Week.  

Canterbury have remained in Auckland for the beginning of the week following their match at Eden Park and now narrow their focus to Wednesday’s match which sees Corey Kellow enter the side, with the openside flanker getting the nod to join the starting loose forwards with captain Billy Harmon (Ngāi Tahu) and Cullen Grace (Ngāti Whakaue/Ngāti Raukawa). 

Zach Gallagher (Te Āti Awa) will start this week after a couple of appearances off the bench as he returned from injury, and will partner fellow Christ’s College Old Boy Sam Darry in the second row.  

“It’s great to have someone like Zach back in the mix and fully healthy.” said Head Coach Marty Bourke (Tainui), “He’s worked really hard to get back from injury and it really bolsters a position that is so important to the way we play.” 

They’ll sit behind an experienced front row, with Daniel Lienert-Brown, Ben Funnell and Oli Jager all having played more than 50 games each for Canterbury. 

Jone Rova will start for the first time, partnering club teammate Rameka Poihipi (Ngāti Whakaue) in the midfield, with Willi Heinz the other change from the side that started against Auckland, slipping into the #9 jersey, with Mitchell Drummond switching to the reserves. 

On the bench, Tom Heywood and Tahlor Cahill (Ngāpuhi) are the only new additions to the squad from Saturday, as Canterbury look to get an important midweek result.  

“Your storm week can make and break your season.” Bourke said. “It’s a real test of what your team is capable of and Counties Manukau will provide an incredibly physical challenge.” 

Kick off is 7:05pm on Wednesday, with the match live on Sky Sport.