Rugby: Slade and Whitelock back for Canterbury

Colin Slade. Photo / Getty Images

Colin Slade and Luke Whitelock return from All Blacks duties to the Canterbury team for their match against Waikato on Thursday.

A shoulder injury to prop Joe Moody in last week's victory over Tasman has ruled him out of the game in Christchurch, so Paea Fa'anunu returns, with Ben Funnell and Nepo Laulala completing the front row.

Joel Everson will pair with Matt Symons at lock. Coach Scott Robertson has continued his rotation policy with the halfbacks, so Willi Heinz will start, with Andy Ellis on the bench.

Luke Whitelock's return to No8 and Slade's move to fullback sees Jordan Taufua and Jamie Verran taking their places in the reserves.

NZ Sevens player Belgium Tuatagaloa may get to make his Canterbury debut against Waikato if he is required to come off the bench.

Canterbury team to play Waikato at AMI Stadium on Thursday, kick-off 7.35pm is: Colin Slade, Patrick Osborne, Adam Whitelock, Ryan Crotty, Milford Keresoma, Tyler Bleyendaal, Willi Heinz, Luke Whitelock, Matt Todd, George Whitelock (c), Matt Symons, Joel Everson, Nepo Laulala, Ben Funnell, Paea Fa'anunu. Reserves: Marcel Cummings-Toone, Sione Falatau, Luke Katene, Jordan Taufua, Andy Ellis, Jamie Verran, Belgium Tuatagaloa.