Rugby: Moore debut answer to BoP's locking shortage

Bay of Plenty v Thames Valley

Rotorua's John Moore has jumped from the curtainraiser into the main event after Bay of Plenty were hit with a locking crisis ahead of today's second-division NPC rugby clash with Thames Valley in Tauranga.

Moore will make his debut after Bay of Plenty lost their two biggest locks.

Auckland import Jason Chandler injured his right knee at training on Tuesday, while Rowan Frost, frustrated at a lack of game time, has quit the team to go overseas next week.

Initial fears that Chandler would be out for the rest of the season were allayed with a medical specialist diagnosing a damaged cartilage which could put the big second rower out for just 10 days.

Moore was promoted from the Bay of Plenty Development XV on Tuesday to cover for Frost, but arrived at practice in Tauranga on Thursday to learn he would be starting against Thames Valley.

Moore has a good pedigree.

His father, Robbie, was an All Black trialist who played almost 80 games at lock for Bay of Plenty.

His inclusion is the only change to the pack who steamrolled Hawkes Bay in the wet last Saturday, although the backline has been realigned following To'o Vaega's withdrawal with a back injury.

Centre Justin Wilson has moved in one to second five-eighths, while Rico Gear has moved off the wing to partner Wilson in midfield.

Western Samoan fullback Toa Samania takes Gear's place on the wing. Tongan flyer Sam Hala is on the bench after a six-week layoff following knee surgery.

Thames Valley are without a win, but Bay coach Gordon Tietjens warns that any slackening of intensity will be punished by the Swamp Foxes.

Bay of Plenty: Paul Waiariki, Keith Pryor, Rico Gear, Justin Wilson, Toa Samania, Elisi Vunapola, Chris Le Lievre, Clayton McMillan (capt), Craig De Goldi, Jason Emery, John Moore, Paul Tupai, Tevita Taumoepeau, Thompson Tapsell, Steve Simpkins.

Reserves: Rameka Poihipi, Sam Hala, Ngoro Ingram, Tom Solomon, Dave Gorrie, Warwick Morehu, Kingi Houkamau.

Thames Valley: Tila Toailoa, Aaron Steel, Sheldon Waetford, Steven Hill, Wayne Roberts, Terri Rahui, Kyle O'Brien, Brad McNaughten, Simon Kearney, Pama Petia, Bob Rigter (capt), Penosini Saukelea, Hayden Rasmussen, Roger Wilton, Paul Sturgeon.

Reserves: Aaron McDonald, Glen Neems, Bevan Robinson, Craig Foote, Simon Galvan, Aaron McKain, Pat Stevens.

- NZPA