Chance for rep players on big stage

Wairarapa-Bush are set to play the curtain-raiser to the Hurricanes v Rebels Super 15 rugby match at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on Saturday, May 26.

Final details have yet to be confirmed but plans are for them to play a "friendly" against fellow Heartland championship side Horowhenua-Kapiti in a match likely to start about 2pm with the main fare kicking off at 5.30pm.

Wairarapa-Bush head coach Mark Rutene is enthused at the possibility.

"It's huge for the players, not only because it will give them the opportunity to push their own Heartland claims but because they wouldn't normally be performing on such a big stage," Rutene said. "And it will also provide an extra incentive for them to work hard on their fitness and that's an area we want to improve anyway."

If their Wellington clash eventuates, Wairarapa-Bush and Horowhenua-Kapiti will meet on three occasions in 2012. They will play another "friendly" in Masterton on August 18 and will do battle again on October 13 in the last round of Heartland matches before the semifinalists are found.

There will also be two matches against Poverty Bay for Wairarapa-Bush; a non-championship game in Masterton on August 11 and the championship proper fixture in Gisborne on September 1.

Wairarapa-Bush will host the two likely favourites for the Heartland title, Wanganui and North Otago, during the qualifying rounds; Wanganui on September 15 and North Otago on October 6. Other home games will be against South Canterbury on August 25 and Mid-Canterbury on September 22.

The away matches will be against Poverty Bay in Gisborne on September 1, West Coast in Greymouth on September 8, King Country in Taupo on September 19 and Horowhenua-Kapiti in Levin on October 13.

Rutene is taking a relaxed attitude towards the championship draw, focusing on building strengths rather than worrying about the opposition.

And to that end he and new assistant coach Paddy Gough already have a group of players attending training sessions with the idea of entering two teams in the Greytown sevens later in the month.

Indications are that at least two of the regular members of last year's Heartland squad won't be back. Prolific scoring Wellington "import" utility back Trent Vatselias has headed to Perth and lock Dan Griffin is said to be unavailable. On the "doubtful starter" list is experienced midfielder Sam Mitchell.

An extended interview with new Wairarapa-Bush assistant coach Paddy Gough is on page 25.