Form sole factor in crunch rugby clash

Wairarapa-Bush will start with what is considered to be their strongest line-up when they confront Wanganui in their top-of-the-table Heartland championship rugby match at Memorial Park, Masterton on Saturday.

Rotating players on a regular basis is a system which has worked well for Wairarapa-Bush in a season which has seen them win seven of their eight matches, including all three in the Heartland competition.

But with perennial Meads Cup finalists - and defending champions - Wanganui expected to provide their toughest assignment, the form book will be the major factor in the composition of the Wairarapa-Bush starting XV.

Not that this will make the selection process much easier for head coach Mark Rutene and assistant Paddy Gough because the bulk of their squad have been playing well enough to deserve a start.

In the backs, the most difficult choices are probably who to start at halfback between Inia Katia and Matt O'Connor, whether gun goal kicker Glen Walters should be at first-five or fullback and who of Nick Olson, Nathan Hunt and Cameron Hayton should start on the wings.

Which means, in essence, that about the only near certainty is that Titapu Pairama-Lewington and Jessie McGilvary will continue their partnership in midfield.

Up front the keenest competition is for hooker where Richard Puddy and Jamie Hunt have both made a huge impression with their high workrates, particularly in tight defensive situations. Perhaps a toss of the coin will be used to decide this one.

At prop it would surprise if skipper Kurt Simmonds and Wilba Davies were not rewarded for the excellent form they have displayed all season although Jon Fuimaono has hardly put a foot wrong either.

The return to fitness of the experienced Brandon Young means he and Lachie McFadzean are fighting it out to see who will join the always reliable Andrew McLean in the middle row and Tom Fleming could also be a contender if he is not required to slot in at No 8 as he did so ably against West Coast in Greymouth last weekend.

With injured pair James Goodger and Johnnie McFadzean not available, regular back rower Jim Tikoisuva may again switch to the blindside flank with Fleming replacing him in the back row.

The Bruce Steel Cup, held by Wanganui, will be up for grabs.