Strong line-up named for final round robin clash

Joel Lam will make his first start of the Bunnings Warehouse NPC on Saturday, with the young half back handed the number nine jersey for the clash against Otago at Forsyth Barr stadium.

The New Zealand Under-20 representative has impressed backs coach Alex Robertson during the year and looks forward to watching the Burnside half taking his next step. “Joel’s been a sponge, he’s been learning off two of the best half backs in Drummy (Mitchell Drummond) and Willi (Heinz) and he gets the chance to action that this week.”  

Lam will be sandwiched by experience, with captain Billy Harmon shifting to number 8 and Fergus Burke returning from illness to wear the number 10 jersey.  

With Harmon shifting to number 8, Dominic Gardiner gets the chance to pack down on the side of the scrum at 6, forming a loose forward trio with Tom Christie.  

Zach Gallagher takes another step in his return from a foot injury, with the towering lock named to start in the second row alongside veteran Luke Romano.  

“There’s a lot of excitement amongst this group,” said forwards coach Craig Dunlea. “Dom has been in great touch for us in just his second season of NPC, Zach’s the same and now Joel’s earnt his chance to start too. That’s not just exciting for now, but for the future of Canterbury rugby too.” 

Braydon Ennor returns to the midfield following 3 weeks away with the All Blacks and will line up alongside Rameka Poihipi in 12, with George Bridge on the left wing and Manasa Mataele on the right.  

“There’s nothing like taking on Otago at home,” said defence coach Matt Todd. “We’re under the roof and, like Auckland last week, there’s plenty of history between Canterbury and Otago which always makes for an exciting battle.”  

Hooker George Bell will likely line up against older brother Henry, with George named on the bench for Canterbury, while leader Reed Prinsep makes his first appearance of the year, working his way back from a hamstring injury. “It’ll be fantastic to see all of Reed’s hard work pay off and be back out in Canterbury colours,” said Todd. “To have a guy like him back at this time of the year is invaluable.”