Credibility and respect wanted, says Tantrum

Credibility and respect are two words being given high priority as Wairarapa-Bush prepare to challenge Wellington for rugby's most prized trophy, the Ranfurly Shield, at Memorial Park, Masterton, on Thursday.
Coach Kelvin Tantrum said yesterday no one in the Wairarapa-Bush camp was under-estimating the enormity of competing against one of the country's top provincial sides but there was a steely determination to produce a performance of which the local rugby community could be proud.
"We want to create a situation where people can go away from the game knowing we gave it our best shot, no matter what the final scoreline," Tantrum said. "What we are asking from the players is that they compete as strongly as they possibly can, no one can ask for any more than that."
Tantrum said the emphasis at yesterday's training session was on implementing structures, both offensively and defensively, which would give Wairarapa-Bush the best chance of earning at least a reasonable share of possession against a Wellington team which will be taller, heavier and more athletic
"We have to trust our systems, it's as simple as that really," he said. "And we have to roll our sleeves up and get stuck in, you can't play a team like Wellington and do anything by half measures. We have to get in their faces and make it as awkward for them as we can. If we want credibility and respect we can't play any other way."
The starting line-up for Wairarapa-Bush on Thursday is very much as anticipated, with the one exception. Tantrum and his assistant coach Neil Foote had hoped to have Wellington "import" Junior Togia on deck to play on the wing but work commitments have ruled him out and he has been replaced by Masterton Red Star utility back Jordan Watene. Another Masterton Red Star player in Byron Karaitiana has recovered sufficiently from a shoulder injury to be named at first-five and he will very likely be the first-string goal kicker as well. Also under an injury cloud has been Bush lock Brandon Young but he too is expected to back to full fitness by Thursday, as is East Coast second-five Sam Mitchell who, like Young, is battling a sore ankle.
THE WAIRARAPA-BUSH TEAM FOR THURSDAY IS:-
Fullback: Jason Kjestrup.
Wings: Nick Olson, Jordan Watene.
Centre: Heemi Tupaea.
Five-eighths: Sam Mitchell (vice-captain), Byron Karaitiana.
Halfback: Zeb Aporo
No 8: Duncan Law.
Flankers: Jared Hawkins, Joss Tua-Davidson.
Locks: Brandon Young, Andrew McLean
Front row: Kurt Simmonds (captain), Willie Leota, Nick Beavon.
Reserves: Backs: Nick Risdon, Tommy Harmon, Rupeni Temani. Forwards: Richard Puddy, Brett Rudman Nathan Rolls, Joe Feast.