Wairarapa-Bush rugby coach Peter Russell has made it clear that players who don't make themselves available for B team selection, won't be considered for NPC selection this season.
Russell is a firm believer in the Bs being the blooding ground for promotion to his side, and while he won't be watching
their match against Wellington Samoans, at Memorial Park, tomorrow, because the As are in camp in Palmerston North, his "spies" will be keeping him informed of those players who impress.
"You can't expect to get through any season without some injuries, and that's where the Bs are so important," Russell said."When we require replacements, that's where we look first."
The actual make-up of the B team, for tomorrow's match, had not been confirmed at the time these notes were penned, but the side will contain a number of players with the capabilities to perform well at a higher level.
They are sure to be well tested, though, by a Wellington Samoans side, who, if past history counts for anything, will be both big and fast, and intent on playing the game at pace.
Meeting in the curtain-raiser, at Memorial Park, will be the Wairarapa-Bush and Manawatu colts sides, and one of the more interesting aspects here, is that the game is to be controlled by a woman referee from Wellington.
