BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | International | Spencer takes stand-off role

New Zealand Maori team

Former All Black Carlos Spencer will switch from full-back to fly-half as the New Zealand Maori shuffle their backline for Saturday's match against New South Wales Waratahs.

Spencer replaces Glen Jackson at stand-off with the Otago Highlanders' Willie Walker handed his Maori debut in the number 15 jersey.

Scrum-half Rhys Duggan (neck) and centre Ryan Nicholas (elbow) both miss out after sustaining injuries in the Maori's 28-25 loss to Queensland on Tuesday.

But coach Matt Te Pou is confident both players will be fit for the match against Australia in Perth on Saturday week.

Waikato wing Roger Randle
Randle faces a late fitness test

Brendan Haami takes over at scrum-half, with Rico Gear replacing Nicholas at outside centre.

Other changes see Blair Urlich replacing Matua Parkinson at openside flanker, while lock Reece Robinson starts ahead of Kristain Ormsby, who drops to the bench.

"We want to give as many players as possible a run before the match against Australia," said Te Pou.

"It's part of our strategy to keep players fresh as there are only four days between the Queensland and NSW games."

Waikato's Roger Randle, who has a back injury, has been bracketed on the right wing with Joe Maddock.

New Zealand Maori have won 11 of their previous 20 matches against New South Wales, including their last meeting in Sydney in 1979.

New Zealand Maori Team:

Willie Walker; Roger Randle or Joe Maddock, Rico Gear, Mark Mayerhofler, Bruce Reihana; Carlos Spencer, Brendan Haami; Greg Feek, Slade McFarland, Carl Hayman, Reece Robinson, Bryce Williams, Jonno Gibbes, Blair Urlich, Deon Muir (captain).
Replacements: Corey Flynn, Tony Penn, Matua Parkinson, Kristian Ormsby, Riki Flutey, Glen Jackson, Maddock or Randle.


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