Rugby: NZ Heartland coaches ring changes for Nadi

New Zealand Heartland XV coaches Barry Matthews and Mutu Ngarimu have rung the changes for tomorrow afternoon's match against Nadi in Fiji. Photo / Getty Images.

New Zealand Heartland XV coaches Barry Matthews and Mutu Ngarimu have rung the changes for tomorrow afternoon's match against Nadi in Fiji.

They have announced nine changes to the starting 15 that beat New Zealand Marist 35-14 on the weekend in Papakura.

"We knew we had depth throughout the park when we selected the squad. We want to give as many players as possible a run and 24 of the 26 squad members will have had a start after this game. We don't know a lot about Nadi, but knowing Fijian rugby we are expecting it to be a very physical and fast game," says Matthews.

"We're looking forward to the encounter and are hoping to go two from two wins tomorrow night."

Kieran Coll holds his No 8 position and the captaincy, while 38-year-old lock Aarin Dunster of King Country wins a start. Wing Willie Paia'aua and first five James Lash, two of the standouts against NZ Marist, retain their positions.

The match is something of a homecoming for Mid Canterbury outside backs Maleli Sau and Nete Caucau, both of whom hail from Nadi.

Kickoff is at 5pm from Prince Charles Park in Nadi.

NZ Heartland XV to play Nadi: Sam Monaghan (Wairarapa-Bush), Maleli Sau (Mid Canterbury), James Hemara (King Country), John Koko (King Country), Willie Paia'aua (Horowhenua Kapiti), James Lash (Buller), Zayn Tipping (King Country), Kieran Coll (South Canterbury, c), Eddie Cranston (Wairarapa-Bush), Aaron Lahmert (Horowhenua Kapiti), Aarin Dunster (King Country), Josh Manning (West Coast), Viki Tofa (Wanganui), Jackson Donlan (Mid Canterbury), Timaru Tafa (South Canterbury)
Reserves: Hayden Wisnewski (Thames Valley), Ralph Darling (North Otago), Scott Cameron (Horowhenua Kapiti), Siua Moala (Poverty Bay), Peter Rowe (Wanganui), Lindsay Horrocks (Wanganui), Nete Caucau (Mid Canterbury), Te Rangi Waitokia (Wanganui)