Goodger in doubt for Coast match

In-form flanker James Goodger is a doubtful starter for Wairarapa-Bush's Heartland championship rugby match with West Coast in Greymouth on Saturday.

Goodger is still experiencing pain from rib injuries suffered during the 48-21 win over Poverty Bay last weekend and his importance to the side is such he is unlikely to be risked if he cannot take a full part in tomorrow night's training session.

Not only has Goodger made a huge impression with his high workrate on defence and attack, he is also a regular winner of lineout ball.

Whilst the two players first in line to replace him, Johnie McFadzean and Tom Fleming, may not have his speed, they do have similar qualities in all other aspects of the game, including the lineouts.

Whatever the decision over Goodger, it does seem likely that head coach Mark Rutene and assistant Paddy Gough will make changes to last weekend's starting line-up.

They are in the happy position of having the depth in their squad to move players to and from the reserve bench without affecting the overall performance and, with that in mind, it would not surprise to see them kick off this time with East Coast duo Matt O'Connor and Byron Karaitiana at halfback and first-five respectively, Glen Walters at fullback and Richard Puddy at hooker.

Wairarapa-Bush will not be taking the West Coast squad, strengthened by "imports" from Canterbury, lightly.

They are always tough to bowl at home and after losing narrowly to East Coast in Ruatoria in their opening Heartland game had a good win over King Country last weekend.