Six players, including the country’s newest All Black Kevin O’Neill, are set to earn their first Waikato cap this Thursday night when the Mooloos take on Bay of Plenty in a pre-season match at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.

The players who will wear their red, yellow and black jerseys for the first time are lock O’Neill, hooker Oli Avei, first five-eighth Callum Bruce, wing Tim Mikkelson and loose forwards Tom Harding and Faifili Levave.

Waikato’s new captain and former Bay of plenty man Liam Messam will lead the team in Thursday’s first-class fixture against provincial neighbours Bay of Plenty.

Waikato coach Tony Hanks said: “while it is a preseason match, we certainly have one eye focused on Northland and this week’s match will go a long way in preparing our players for the opening round of the Air New Zealand Cup.”

“It is a match of special significance for players who earn their stripes for the first time.”

Halfback David Bason was not considered for selection due to a niggling groin injury. Hanks said he will be rested in hope that he can play in the Breweries Shield Club Final this Saturday for Hautapu. The Waikato coach added: “where possible all Waikato players involved in the club final will be available to play at the weekend.”

Meanwhile, the Waikato players will be wearing black armbands for Thursday’s preseason match as a mark of respect to the recently deceased Waikato centurion player Bryce Cowley - a veteran of 112 games for the province.

Waikato takes on Bay of Plenty in their final preseason fixture at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on  Thursday 24 July July. Kick off is 6.00pm. Gates open at 5.30pm.

General admission applies. Tickets are $10 for adults, children get free entry and Season Members receive complimentary entry upon display of their card.

The Dirty ScumbagWaikato team is:
Aled de Malmanche, Oli Avei, Josh Hohneck, Toby Lynn, Kevin O’Neill, Faifili Levave, Tom Harding, Liam Messam (captain), Malcolm Barnes, Callum Bruce, Tim Mikkelson, Roimata Hansell-Pune, Jackson Willison, Sosene Anesi, Dwayne Sweeney
Not good enough to be considered to start against the Bay: 16. Kalem Chan Boon, 17. Hikairo Forbes, 18. Kent Fife, 19. Jordan Smiler, 20. Josh Sutherland, 21. Trent Renata, 22. James Kamana/Watene Waenga.

Players too scared to play the Bay, for various excuses, include: Romana Graham (knee), Craig West (pelvis), Nathan White (back), Vern Kamo (knee), Henry Speight (knee), Matt Blain (knee).