Wairarapa-Bush squad's depth put to test

Wairarapa-Bush will field a new-look combination in their representative rugby match with Horowhenua-Kapiti at Memorial Park on Saturday.

That much was confirmed by head coach Mark Rutene yesterday although the actual starting line-up won't be confirmed until after tonight's training session.

Rutene said he and assistant coach Paddy Gough were keen to give every member of their squad the opportunity to hit peak form before the Heartland championship got under way and this was the last chance for that to happen.

This meant resisting any temptation to stick with those who originally took the field in the 46-14 win over Poverty Bay last weekend.

"You can say there will be a number of changes, it's what we always planned to do," Rutene said. "The Heartland is the big one, we want everybody geared up for that."

Rutene is confident, however, that no matter how many changes are made, Wairarapa-Bush have the depth to field a competitive unit, something which was apparent in the Poverty Bay game. "We didn't lose anything when the reserves came on, they kept the momentum going."

Two of those who seem certain to be missing from the starting XV on Saturday are lock Brandon Young and flanker James Goodger, both of whom limped off the field against Poverty Bay and are unlikely to be risked on Saturday.

Young's place will probably be taken by Lachie McFadzean whose brother, Johnie, is the logical replacement for Goodger.

The three Wellington "imports" who were unavailable for the Poverty Bay game, prop Jon Fuimaono, utility forward Tom Fleming, and midfield back Titapu Pairama-Lewington, will all probably get a start too, and it wouldn't surprise if inside backs Inia Katia and Byron Karaitiana joined them.