Manawatu has kept faith with the team that beat Southland and is aiming for a hat trick of victories when it takes on Otago tomorrow night.
The only change to the Manawatu side is on the right wing where youngster Leroy van Dam comes into the team to replace the injured Nehe Milner-Skudder. Van Dam is a loan player and hails from Auckland.
There were doubts over the availability of centre Jason Emery and No 8 James Oliver, who both left the field last Friday night against Southland.
But they have recovered and will play. Emery should be used to Forsyth Barr Stadium having played his debut season with the Highlanders this year.
Former Highlanders forward utility Nick Crosswell is on the way back from a sore neck, and will start the game on the bench. Prop Ma'afu Fia is another Highlanders player who will be returning south.
The side will be skippered by experienced flanker Callum Gibbins.
Manawatu had a disappointing start to the season, losing to Hawkes Bay, Auckland and Wellington but has bounced back from that with two home victories.
The side had a narrow win over North Harbour and then beat Southland last Friday night, 27-17.
Manawatu and Otago are both on nine points in the championship table, with Manawatu just ahead on a slightly better points differential.
Otago has already named its team and has made just one change. Winger Buxton Popoali'i has recovered from a hamstring injury.
Otago won the game between the sides last year, 51-35, in Palmerston North.
Manawatu team to play Otago
Lewis Marshall, Leroy van Dam, Jason Emery, Tevita Taufu'i, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Jade Te Rure, Papa Wharewera; James Oliver, Callum Gibbins (captain), Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Michael FitzGerald, Fraser Stone, Ma'afu Fia, Rob Foreman, Chris Eves. Reserves: Nick Grogan, Jared Brock, Nick Crosswell, Hamish Gosling, Nic Stirzaker, Nathan George, Nico Malo
