Backline ready to be unleashed

HUSTLE AND BUSTLE: Wairarapa-Bush centre Paul Tikomainavalu looks to burst through a Manawatu development squad tackle. PHOTO/CHRIS KILFORD

Head coach Mark Rutene is hoping the weather gods will be kind to Wairarapa-Bush as they prepare to confront fellow Heartland championship contenders Poverty Bay in their annual Jeremy David Memorial Trophy rugby match at Memorial Park, Masterton, on Saturday.

The one major frustration for Rutene from his team's hard-fought 26-20 win over Manawatu development squad last weekend was the elements conspiring to turn the game into a more forward-dominated game than he would have liked.

Consequently he would like to see a fine day and firm ground conditions for the Poverty Bay match so what appeals as a slick Wairarapa-Bush backline has the chance to show their attacking potential.

"We really want to spread the ball wide and see what the backs can do but obviously the weather will dictate that to a degree," Rutene said. "If we have to resort to revolving most of the play round the forwards again then so be it but hopefully that won't happen."

A likely starting line-up has the Wairarapa-Bush backline looking somewhat different than it was for the start of last weekend's fixture.

At halfback and first-five respectively will be two players who were unavailable for that match, Zeb Aporo and Sam Monaghan, and Paul Tikomainavalu, who made a decent impact when he came off the bench, will join Byron Karaitiana in midfield.

With Nathan Hunt on the injured list fullback Nick Olson goes to one wing with Cameron Hayton retaining his spot onthe other and taking Olson's place in the No 15 jersey will be Ben Aoina, who made such a huge impression at first-five against Manawatu.

Rutene said the versatility of Monaghan and Aoina could see them swapping places at some stage of proceedings and it was also probable the three reserve backs, halfback Inia Katia and midfielders Robbie Anderson and Michael Te Whare, would get game time as well.

Up front two of the "imports", prop Finbarr Kerr-Newall and lock Joe Beech, won't be appearing this weekend but not because of any disappointment with their play in the Manawatu match.

"They both went well there but we need to give others a chance to put their hands up before the championship starts, and this is their last opportunity," Rutene said.

Kurt Simmonds, who has been confirmed as captain of the Heartland side, will be at prop along with promising newcomer Jacko Hull and the experienced Richard Puddy will start at hooker.

New acquisition James Wall from the Jubilee Cup-winning Hutt Old Boys Marist club side from Wellington is being troubled by tonsillitis but is expected to partner Andrew McLean in the middle row while the loose forward trio will comprise Andrew McWhirter and Rima Mururai on the flanks and Tom Fleming at No 8. Reserve forwards are Adam Johnson, Ollie Terblanche, Sam Marshall-Wilson and Johnie McFadzean.

With Saturday's game having first-class status Rutene anticipates the level of opposition being sterner than Wairarapa-Bush met last weekend with both teams keen to make a statement before the Heartland championship games commence on August 23.

"We're into the serious stuff now and there's nothing better to build confidence than a good win, that's what we are after here," he said.