Talented duo in Heartland team

BIG IMPROVER: Lachie McFadzean was a tower of strength in the second row.

Carterton lock Lachie McFadzean and Greytown first-five Glen Walters have been included in the New Zealand Heartland rugby squad to play matches against New Zealand Defence Force in Methven on Tuesday, November 5, and New Zealand Marist in Timaru on Saturday, November 9.

The selection of McFadzean and Walters is just reward for the consistently good form they showed for Wairarapa-Bush during their 2013 Heartland Championship campaign, which ended last weekend when they lost their Meads Cup semifinal to North Otago in Oamaru 48-34.

For his part, McFadzean made huge strides from the previous season, enough to suggest he would have been a comfortable winner of any 'most improved player' award.

Thrust into the role of first-choice lock through the untimely injury which had Andrew McLean sidelined from both club and representative play, McFadzean became a key figure at lineout time and supplemented those skills with a high work-rate in general play. His commitment on defence was particularly impressive.

Walters might not have quite scaled the same heights with his goal-kicking as he did the previous season when he registered a Wairarapa-Bush record for most points in any one season, 134, but he still managed to top the century mark. His 107 points this time round came from 19 conversions, 21 penalties and two dropped goals. It wasn't only in the goal kicking department where Walters shone though. Also evident was his tactical nous and his coolness in tight defensive situations.

Talented flankers Johan Van Vliet and James Goodger were other Wairarapa-Bush players who would probably have gone close to selection but for extenuating circumstances, Van Vliet leaving next week for the Netherlands where he hopes to be in the reckoning for their national side and Goodger missing most of the Heartland games because of injury. Hard-running wing Paul Tikomainavalu must have a serious contender as well, along with midfielder Byron Karaitiana, but impressive props Finnbarr Kerr-Newell and Jonathan Fuimaono were not eligible because of them playing their club rugby in Wellington and therefore being classified as 'loan players'.

McFadzean and Walters are among 10 debutants in the Heartland XV, which includes representatives from nine of the teams participating in that competition. Meads Cup finalists Mid-Canterbury and North Otago have four and three representatives respectively.

NZRU chairman Mike Eagle said those elected would wear the Heartland XV jersey with pride and do their best to represent Heartland rugby and their union well.

"For many players pulling on the coveted Heartland XV black jersey is a huge achievement in their rugby careers and a truly special experience," Eagle said.

Head coach Kurt McQuilkin (King Country) said the competitiveness of this year's Heartland competition had ensured there were several players across all sides vying for contention.

"The competition for places in a number of positions was very tight, such as lock and loosies. We've also got some exciting talent coming in on the wing and at fullback to have made the squad for the first time."

The Heartland XV to assemble in Timaru on Friday, November 1 is:

Forwards: Matt Fetu (South Canterbury), Shaun McDonough (Wanganui), Ralph Darling (North Otago), Troy Tauwhare (West Coast), Nathan Tubb (South Canterbury), Nick Cranston (Wanganui), Eric Duff (North Otago), Lachie McFadzean (Wairarapa-Bush), Lee Nelmes (Buller), Jon Dampney (Mid Canterbury), Peter Rowe (Wanganui), Lasa Ulukuta (Wanganui), Riki Waitoa (East Coast).

Backs: William McKenzie (Mid Canterbury), Andrew Stephens (Buller), Tim Priest (West Coast), Glen Walters (Wairarapa-Bush), Fa'aitu Tuamoheloa (South Canterbury), Tau Moeke (East Coast), Lemi Masoe (North Otago), Dwayne Burrows (Mid Canterbury), Whaimotu Craft-Chemis (East Coast), Chris Talanoa (North Otago), Mike Rambour (Horowhenua-Kapiti).