ITM Cup
Umaga names a full strength side
October 10, 2013
Fritz Lee of Counties holds up the Ranfurly Shield, Counties Manukau v Waikato, ITM Cup, Ecolight Stadium, Pukekohe, September 21, 2013
Counties aims to hold the Ranfurly Shield over summer with a win over Southland © Getty Images
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Counties Manukau coach Tana Umaga has named a full strength side to face Southland in Friday's Ranfurly Shield defence in Pukekohe. Hika Elliot, Frank Halai, Baden Kerr and captain Fritz Lee headline the group of players returning after spending a week off the field to refuel for the business end of the season.

One noticeable omission is fullback Sherwin Stowers, who is in camp with the All Blacks Sevens. "This is the most important game of the season so far for us, as whoever wins this game gets to keep the Shield for the summer," Umaga said.

"The team has worked really hard to get here and know Southland have won the Shield several times in the last few years so they also know what it takes to win. We are really looking forward to the support from a strong, vocal and passionate home crowd. They have lifted us the last two times in our Ranfurly Shield matches and we need them to provide that support again on Friday night."

Counties Manukau: Sam Aiono, Hika Elliot, Jarrod Firth, Ronald Raaymakers, Jimmy Tupou, Adam Cathcart, Maama Vaipulu, Fritz Lee (c), Kane Hancy, Baden Kerr, Toni Pulu, Bundee Aki, Rey Lee-Lo, Frank Halai, Ahsee Tuala.

© Sportal

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