Players giving their all in build-up

FIGHTING FOR PLACE: Andy Humberstone (right) is one of many backs in the log jam for a starting position this weekend. PHOTO/CHRIS KILFORD

THERE was a "take no prisoners" approach at the Wairarapa-Bush Heartland championship rugby squad's training session on Tuesday evening.

Head coach Josh Syms did not spare the rod as his side prepared for a crucial match against Horowhenua-Kapiti at Memorial Park, Masterton, this Saturday.

Fuelled by the belief his side had to lift their intensity in all departments to secure a win which would keep them in the reckoning for the play-offs in the premier section, the Meads Cup, there was plenty of physical contact and Syms was delighted with the way his players threw themselves into the fray.

"The whole idea was to hold nothing back," he said.

"We wanted them to rip into each other and they did exactly that.

"If they show the same enthusiasm on match day we should be okay."

The only blot at Tuesday's session was a cut to the head suffered by flanker Rima Marurai but Syms is optimistic he will be available for selection for the Horowhenua-Kapiti match, and he holds the same optimism over three others who have been struggling with injury concerns - prop Kurt Simmonds, loose forward Brock Price and utility back Corey McFadzean.

"I think we may have a full squad to pick from, everybody is certainly keen to play."

Syms and assistant coach Wayne Roache will not name their starting line-up for Saturday until after tonight's training session but Syms confirmed yesterday there would be some "tweaking" to the backline from that which initially took the field against West Coast last weekend, and possibly to the pack as well.

The latter sentiment would certainly be the case should Simmonds be considered fit enough to go the full 80 minutes. His scrummaging and mauling skills, plus his punishing close-quarter defence, make him a key member of the squad.

In the backs, the availability of Corey McFadzean opens up a few options for Syms and Roache. McFadzean is a versatile player who could slot in anywhere bar halfback but the smart money would be on him being at fullback where his strong running and hefty punting could come in handy.

If that was the case, Viliami Hala, who has been in good form lately, would probably go from fullback to wing or the midfield. And with Cody Whittaker and Tim Priest looking to have the inside back positions sewn up that would leave a logjam among Andy Humberstone, Tipene Haira, Nick Olson, Paul Tikomainavalu and Inia Katia for the other four starting spots..

One thing which can be guaranteed about Saturday's game is Horowhenua-Kapiti will be treating it with the same importance as the home team. They are fourth on the points table and a win would take them one step closer to the Meads Cup semis. With that in mind, Syms is expecting Horowhenua-Kapiti to throw everything at Wairarapa-Bush, "including the kitchen sink.

"Both teams are going to be desperate for the win, there's going to be no room for the faint-hearted in this one."