Semis in the bag - almost

Wairarapa-Bush are in the box seat to qualify for the semi-finals of the inaugural Heartland rugby championship.
Not only does the 21 points they earned as they went through their five pool A ames undefeated give them a flying start for the top six playoffs which get under way this coming weekend but they have fared kindly in the draw as well.
The somewhat novel competition format sees the top three pool A sides playing the top three pool B sides in the playoffs with the leading four sides then going through to the semi-finals.
The playoff draw was released yesterday and Wairarapa-Bush will host the first two of their games, against Horowhenua-Kapiti this coming Saturday and South Canterbury on September 30, and will then play Wanganui at Wanganui on October 7.
What makes Wairarapa-Bush's semi-final place almost secure-and we stress the word almost- is that with points accumulated in the preliminary rounds being taken through into the playoffs there is the very real prospect that a couple of bonus points from their next three games could be enough to get them there.
However, there is still plenty of motivation for Wairarapa-Bush to maintain their winning streak as by placing in the top two at the end of the playoffs they will guarantee their semi-final fixture is played in Masterton as well.
And, of course, if they are the top playoff qualifiers and win their semi then the grand final would be at Memorial Park too.
For Horowhenua-Kapiti -and South Canterbury for that matter- the boot is very much on the other foot.
Horowhenua-Kapiti were third in pool B after the preliminary rounds with 12 points which means they go into this coming Saturday's match with Wairarapa-Bush already nine points in arrears of them. Defeat there and their semi-final aspirations would take a hefty blow.
South Canterbury are slightly better off as they have 14 points but, even so, a loss in the first of their playoff games would make their following game against Wairarapa-Bush absolutely pivotal to their semi-final hopes.
The third of Wairarapa-Bush's playoff opponents, Wanganui, is, like them, virtually assured of a semi-final place. They too finished the preliminary rounds with five wins from five matches and 21 points and because their points differential is better than Wairarapa-Bush they actually have the top seeding going into the playoffs.
Which means in turn that as things stand at present they actually have the inside running to host the grand final, a situation which would, of course, change should
Wairarapa-Bush complete the playoffs with a better winning record. For Wairarapa-Bush coach Peter Russell though the mathematics of the current situation in the Heartland championship means very little with his focus revolved around his team continuing their unbeaten run.
"For us it's back to square one. The playoffs are a new competition and the objective is to win all three of our games," he said. "Do that and we guarantee a home game in the semis, otherwise we'll be relying on other sides to help us in that respect and that's not where we want to be."
That Russell is placing such huge emphasis on a home semi-final - and final - is hardly surprising as under his coaching Wairarapa-Bush have not lost either an NPC third division game or a Heartland championship match at Memorial Park since the 2003 season.
"I'm not sure even local people realise how good our home record is. We mightn't have always produced our best form at home but we've kept on winning and that's what it is all about, isn't it?" he said.
On that subject, Russell agreed that the support for his side so far this season, both in terms of numbers and vocality- has been a "litte quiet" but he is optimistic it will be enhanced now they are into the business end of the season.
"Maybe the public have been rugbyed-out with all the matches that have been on TV but its finals time now and that should encourage them to come out and support us," he said.
"It's always good for the players to know they have the local fans behind them, it gives them a lift and that can mean a lot in a close game."
Russell will name his team for this Saturday's match after training tonight and is hopeful all members of the squad will be available for selection.
No injuries of major consequence were suffered in the nail-biting 20-19 victory over Mid-Canterbury at Ashburton four days ago although wing Francis Seumanutata was a late withdrawl with a back sprain and a handful of players were still suffering the effects of 'flu.
Seumanutata's absence was covered by moving fullback Peato Lafaele to the wing with Duncan Rutherford being promoted from the reserves to fullback. Carterton's Lance Stevenson was drafted into the reserves and he was given match time on the wing.
Russell is "pretty hopeful" Seumanutata will be back to full fitness for the Horowhenua-Kapiti game and that , being the case, the same starting XV as initially selected for the Mid-Canterbury match seems likely to take the field.