Robinson returns to fold

Wairarapa-Bush rugby coach Peter Russell has managed to persuade his former captain Mike Robinson to come out of retirement and make himself available for representative play over the remainder of the 2006 season.
Robinson pulled the plug after leading Wairarapa-Bush to the NPC third division title year, but a dearth of experienced middle rowers and the fact that "Robbo" has been playing regularly for the Upper Hutt club in Wellington has led to Russell encouraging him to reconsider that decision.
"It just seemed to me that Robbo could be very useful to us, both because of his experience in the locking area but also as a mentor to the younger players in the squad," Russell said "And it's not as if fitness is a worry?..he's right up to scratch in that respect."
On the club scene it is Gladstone who could benefit from Robinson's change of heart. He gave serious consideration to joining them for this weekend's play, but with Upper Hutt having injury problems in the forwards he is staying with them for at least one more game. However, the prospects are he could be seen in the Gladstone colours within the next two to three weeks.
Robinson is not, however, the only interesting name in the Wairarapa-Bush starting line-up for their non-championship match against Manawatu at the Rugby Institute in Palmerston North next Wednesday night.
The return of Nathan Couch from the United States sees him paired in the midfield with his old sparrting partner, Simanu Simanu. For the first time this season, former Buller representative Junior Tongia will be the wing and being trialled at fullback is Glen Bunny.
Bunny was the understudy at fullback to the very impressive Dutch international Bart Vigurrs last season, and the good news for Wairarapa-Bush is that Vigurrs could possibly return here in time for their 2006 NPC first division campaign. He is currently involved in university examinations but has expressed an interest to play for Wairarapa-Bush in 2006 and Russell has been in contact with him with that in mind.
Hooker Joe Harwood will captain Wairarapa-Bush against Manawatu, and appears to have the inside running to fill the role for the rest of the season, Russell saying that Robinson "very probably" would not take up the leadership as well.
"We need to be building for the future in that respect, so Joe has his chance to stake a claim," he said. "He's got all the credentials and we are confident he will go a jood job."
The Wairarapa-Bush squad for the Manawatu match, which will kick off at 6pm, is:-
Backs: Glen Bunny; Tommy Harmon, Simanu Simanu, Nathan Couch, Junior Tongia; Patrick Rimene; Hamish McKenzie.
Forwards: Mike Spence; Sam Henderson, Mike Robinson, Tomasi Kedarabuka, Sylvanus Iro; Brett Rudman, Joe Harwood, Dylan Higgison.
Reserves: James Bruce, Lawrence Matthews, Mike Shaw, Duncan Rutherford, Chris Senior,Steve Olds, Cory Reid, Burtus Buckle, Ross Batty.
Unavailable for selection was Fijian lock Langi Peters.