Steelform Wanganui will be looking at imported backs to fill up a couple of important holes when they defend the Bruce Steel Memorial Cup in their last preseason match with Horowhenua-Kapiti tomorrow.
The Playford Park game could well be the first of consecutive Cup defences, because if Wanganui keep hold of their Central Heartland prize then it will also be on the line in the Mitre 10 Heartland Championship opener with Wairarapa-Bush next weekend.
As the chronic knee and hamstring issues of fullbacks Cameron Crowley and Nick Harding have flared up again, while Wanganui Collegiate's Cody Hemi still has school game commitments, coach Jason Caskey and backs coach Jason Hamlin will be looking at a utility import to cover the No15 jumper tomorrow.
They will also be trying out a reserve halfback from the Manawatu, after Fa'alele Iosua had to follow his fellow Pirate and Air Chathams Wanganui Under 20's rep Junior Ainea home to Samoa due to the expiry of their work visas.
"It's a real shame, for both Fa'alele and Junior," said Hamlin.