Canterbury Rugby Union

The Canterbury side will travel to Napier this week, where they will take on Hawke's Bay in Round 3 of the Mitre 10 Cup.

Head Coach Glenn Delaney has named his team for the clash, which features a few changes from the team that took the field last Sunday in Christchurch.

"This is a fast-paced competition and we know we are heading in to a period of three matches in 10 days, two of which are Ranfurly Shield challenges, so it's important the playing group are refreshed and ready to go.

"It's a great opportunity for us to give all of our squad valuable game time, given the short turnaround between games and we're fortunate to have a number of players capable of doing the job for us", Delaney said.

Alex Hodgman, Nathan Vella and Oliver Jager will all move from the bench, to take starting spots in the front row. Jed Brown will start in the No. 7 jersey, in the absence of Matt Todd. 

In the back line, Lincoln University team-mates Jack Stratton and Brett Cameron will call the shots from halfback and first five-eighth on Friday night, while Marshall Suckling will get his first start of the 2017 season on the right wing. 

On the reserves bench, Nick Werahiko and Chris Gawler join the squad and will provide cover at hooker and prop respectively. 

Kick off is at 7:35pm, Friday 1 September, at McLean Park in Napier.

Canterbury team to play Hawke's Bay:

1.    Alex Hodgman

2.    Nathan Vella 

3.    Oliver Jager

4.    Mitchell Dunshea

5.    Dominic Bird

6.    Reed Prinsep

7.    Jed Brown

8.    Luke Whitelock (C)

9.    Jack Stratton

10.  Brett Cameron

11.  Braydon Ennor

12.  Rob Thompson

13.  Tim Bateman (VC)

14.  Marshall Suckling

15.  George Bridge

RESERVES

16.  Nick Werahiko

17.  Chris Gawler

18.  Siate Tokolahi

19.  Hamish Dalzell

20.  Billy Harmon

21.  Ere Enari

22.  Inga Finau

23.  Josh McKay