Rugby subs force coach to rethink

Changes could be made to the Wairarapa-Bush starting line-up for their Heartland championship rugby match with Poverty Bay at Gisborne on Saturday.

That's the word from head coach Mark Rutene and it's got nothing to do with any of those who initially took the field in the 32-21 win over South Canterbury at Memorial Park last weekend failing to perform up to expectations.

Rather, it's more a case of the subs making such an impression that possible promotion to the starting XV for at least some of them has provided food for thought for Rutene and assistant coach Paddy Gough.

"Yes, we have a few decisions to make," Rutene said yesterday. "Right now, it's possible that two or three changes could be made but nothing definite has been decided. There's a bit of thinking to be done yet."

The only squad member not available for the Gisborne game is lock Brandon Young, who is still in recovery mode from his knee injury.

Knocks suffered by halfback Matt O'Connor and first-five Byron Karaitiana against South Canterbury meant they did not train on Tuesday night but that was more a precaution than anything else. And while No 8 Jim (Temoci) Tikoisuva was forced off the field last weekend with a "knocked up" finger, he is now back to full fitness.

While Rutene was giving no clues as to what changes - if any - could be made for the Poverty Bay game, he and Gough could be persuaded to return speedy Martinborough wing Nathan Hunt to the starting line-up, a situation which would probably see Nick Olson moving from wing to fullback and Glen Walters from fullback to first-five.

In the midfield, incumbent second-five Titapu Pairama-Lewington is being challenged by Michael Te Whare, and the choice between Matt O'Connor and Inia Katia at halfback will probably come down to their team's game plan. The mercurial Katia would be the best bet if all-out attack is the call but if a "steady as she goes" approach is wanted, then the more conservative but reliable O'Connor should get the nod. Either way, Wairarapa-Bush is fortunate to have the luxury of two No 9s with such divergent skill sets.

Up front, newcomer Jon Fuimaono is putting big pressure on Kurt Simmonds and Wilba Davies at prop and likewise Jamie Hunt on Richard Puddy at hooker and, Lachie McFadzean on Andrew Mclean and Tom Fleming at lock.

And while the loose trio of Johan Van Vliet, James Goodger and Jim Tikoisuva seem almost certain to hold their places, Tikoisuva especially has the versatile Johnie McFadzean breathing down his neck.

A win over Poverty Bay would not only enhance Wairarapa-Bush's prospects of making it through to the Meads Cup playoffs but would also mean they had already surpassed last year's record of just one Heartland championship success and equalled the two wins secured in 2010.

Heartland points are: Poverty Bay and North Otago 5, East Coast, Wairarapa-Bush, Buller and Wanganui 4, Mid-Canterbury, King Country and West Coast 1, Horowhenua-Kapiti, South Canterbury and Thames Valley 0.

Matches to come for Wairarapa-Bush are: September 1, v Poverty Bay in Gisborne; September 8, v West Coast in Greymouth; September 15, v Wanganui in Masterton; September 22, v Mid-Canterbury in Masterton; September 29, v King Country in Taupo; October 6, v North Otago in Masterton; October 13, v Horowhenua-Kapiti in Levin.

The Meads Cup and Lochore Cup semifinals will be played on October 20, the finals on October 27.