Rugby: Coast looks to their backs

Defending champions East Coast will look to their inside backs combination to plot the downfall of leaders Wairarapa-Bush at Ruatoria today.

First five-eighth Mano Flutey, on loan from Hawkes Bay, will partner halfback Victor Taingahue to give East Coast an extra edge.

East Coast go into the game in third place, trailing Wairarapa-Bush by three points.

In another vital game in the region, last year's beaten finalists Poverty Bay, in second place, host fifth-placed Horowhenua-Kapiti in Gisborne.

A win to either side will consolidate a semifinal position.

In other third division games, fourth-placed North Otago should win against West Coast in Greymouth.

And in Westport, Buller and South Canterbury are expected to produce a great battle.

- NZPA