Rugby: Reihana option for Waikato first five

By CHRIS RATTUE

Bruce Reihana will be considered as a first five-eighths option by Waikato coach Kiwi Searancke for this year's NPC campaign.

The 24-year-old outside back, a non-playing member of last year's World Cup squad, will line up in the pivot position when Waikato defend the Ranfurly Shield against North Otago in Oamaru this afternoon.

Reihana has been talked about as a first five-eighths prospect for the past two seasons. The national selectors encouraged the Maori side to give him some game time there in Scotland two years ago.

He also played the position for the New Zealand Academy against Australia A at Pukekohe last year, and replaced his Waikato and Chiefs team mate Glen Jackson for 30 minutes when the Maori beat Scotland at New Plymouth last month.

Reihana will also take over the goalkicking at Oamaru today and his ability to land the goals will help to decide whether Searancke tries him ahead of Jackson in the NPC.

"The New Zealand selectors haven't really said one way or the other, but they're certainly not against him playing there," Searancke said.

"There's been quite a bit of interest over the past two years in how he would go.

"He's the type of player who can play any position and we've got to see how he handles the tactical side of the game.

"Things are usually well-programmed for the first few phases, but the good first five-eighths really show out when they need to make decisions in the third, fourth, fifth phases.

"Bruce is definitely an option; but in saying that, Glen Jackson is a very good five-eighth and is a better goalkicker."

Reihana has been playing and goalkicking for his Te Awamutu Sports club side this year. He was a recognised goalkicker during his junior representative years and has continued to practice his kicking since.

"I was a pretty good goalkicker in the under-19s and I've been kicking well for my club," he said.

"I'm keen to take up any challenge. It's a bit of a surprise to get the ball all the time whereas on the wing you're hoping a lot of the time to get your hands on the ball.

"The important thing is I've got to learn how to read the game at first five-eighth."

Searancke has named Nick Holten as No 8 today as he looks for a utility/back-up to Deon Muir, while usual lock Chresten Davis will start on the blindside.

North Otago was sixth in the eight-team third division last year after making the play-offs the previous two seasons. They are hoping for a crowd of 5000 at Centennial Park.

North Otago: Grant Johnston/Ross Skinner, Toelu Palamo, Matt Saunders, Mike Mavor, Dean Patterson, Simon Porter, Justin Rawcliffe; Regan Laughton, Ross Hay, Campbell McKenzie, Hunter Darry, Wayne Miller, William Tapealava, Barry Fox (c), Atalea Katoa. Reserves: Skinner/Aaron John, Ali Fanene, Ricky McLean; Jason Jones, Mike Cant, Gary Byrne, Jimmy Mavor.

Waikato: Grant McQuoid, Roger Randle, Keith Lowen, Mark Ranby, Damian Karauna, Bruce Reihana, Rhys Duggan (c); Nick Holten, Scott Couch, Chresten Davis, Tony Petero, Royce Willis, Deacon Manu, Anton Edwards, Tony Philp. Reserves: Haden Hireme, Glen Jackson, Ben Willis; Deon Muir, Jono Gibbes, Paul Martin, Guy Coleman

Referee: Paul Macfie (Taranaki)

Kickoff: 2.35 pm