Japanese influence added to H-K mix
Incorporating some giant-killing Japanese techniques and bringing the squad closer together have been two aims of the Horowhenua-Kapiti side’s pre-season.
They kick off their Heartland Championship campaign against Thames Valley in Paeroa on Saturday.
It is new head coach Chris Wilton’s first competitive game in charge, while lock Ryan Shelford takes over the captaincy full-time.
It will also be assistant coach Katsu Takeuchi’s first game on the sideline. He has coached several Japanese national sides.
Takeuchi is determined to stamp out the inconsistency that marred H-K last season.
Performances like the 47-43 comeback win over table-topping Mid Canterbury were followed by others like their 57-12 capitulation in last season’s Lochore Cup semi-final against North Otago.
He said he wants the entire team to be like ‘‘a big family’’.
‘‘All of us including the coaching staff and management staff must be truly committed.
‘‘We can play our game if everybody’s on the same page. It’s a key for us to win games this year.’’
Takeuchi is also encouraging more off-the-ball work in attack, and two-man tackles in defence. Both were noticeable in Japan’s upset win over South Africa at last year’s World Cup.
The H-K side does not contain last year’s first-five-eighth and goalkicker Brandyn Laursen, and top tryscorer Teegan Minkley, who have both left the squad.
They will have Warwick Lahmert from next week though - the outside back was unwanted by the Great Britain rugby sevens team from the Rio Olympics.
Lahmert starting training this week, and will be in the playing squad from next weekend.
Takeuchi said his leadership, knowledge of the game and ability to control territory will be crucial this season.
This weekend’s opponents finished ninth last season, four points off a Lochore Cup semifinal spot.
Takeuchi said they have been working hard on defence this week, as Thames Valley traditionally like to spread the ball.
The game kicks off at 2pm.