30 August 2014
West Coast v Sth Canterbury
@ Greymouth 2:30 PM – BET NOW
Head to Head – Odds @ 12.21pm 29/08/2014
West Coast ($2.60) v ($1.45) Sth Canterbury
The “CoalPit Trophy” up for grabs , currently held by the West Coast
WEST COAST – http://westcoastrfu.com
2013 finish: Meads Cup semi-finalists
West Coast Heartland Squad 2014
West Coast Team to Play Sth Canterbury on Saturday
TBA
SOUTH CANTERBURY
Change made at hooker for West Coast raid
South Canterbury coach Chester Scott is all-but sticking by the team that delivered a win in the opening round of the Heartland Championships against West Coast in Greymouth tomorrow.
An excellent victory over Wanganui, which included a four-try bonus point, has South Canterbury equal top with Mid Canterbury and Poverty Bay.
The only change sees Nathan Tubb take over the starting hooker role from Ben Hewitson, who will come off the bench.
The pair both played well on Saturday and Scott is pleased to have top competition for the starting spot.
On the bench, Doug Hill comes in for Matt Stewart to allow him time with the development side.
Scott is, however, sweating on the fitness of half Sekope Maea, who has a hamstring strain.
Maea is a key playmaker and while the side has a very capable understudy in Theo Davidson, Maea has the X-factor,
Scott said he was very happy with the result against Wanganui but the side had worked hard on fixing some areas of concerns, including receiving the kick-off.
”The guys are keen to get over there and there is a good feeling in the squad.”
Scott was not concerned that West Coast had beaten them in their two previous encounters.
He was confident they had the right mix to deliver a win.
”It won’t be easy. They have a very good forward pack and a strong midfield,” he said.
”Tim (Priest) is a good tactician and any side that can be ahead of Mid Canterbury at halftime is obviously a very good side.”
West Coast led the defending champions 27-13 at the break but lost 52-27 as they ran out of steam.
One of the key battles will be West Coast lock Kalave Aualiita up against South Canterbury loan player Simon Marcel while tighthead prop Lolesio Lavea will be keen to test out Matt Fetu.
Adding some spice to the encounter is the fact South Canterbury will also be keen to get their hands on the Coalpit Trophy for the first time.
It was donated last year by rugby historian Jeremy Sutherland when he found South Canterbury had been playing West Coast for 101 years without a trophy at stake.
In other games featuring South Island teams, North Otago host Poverty Bay and will be keen to get their campaign underway while Mid Canterbury should be too good for Wairarapa Bush in Masterton.
Buller will also likely notch up their second win over East Coast.
South Canterbury’s game is at Rugby Park, with a 2.30pm kick-off.
South Canterbury: Matt Fetu, Nathan Tubb, Timaru Tafa, Simon Marcel, Sione Tauelangi, Sam Vea, Nick Strachan, Josateki Veikune, Sekope Maea, Kurt Rooney, Maile I’Ongi, Miles Medlicott, Paula Fifita, Erenimo Tau, Jared Trevathan. Reserves: Ben Hewitson, Tokoma’ata Fakatava, Kali Latu, Doug Hill, Theo Davidson, Tenari Saumani, Angus Compton Bowyer.
STU PIDDINGTON – The Timaru Herald
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