COSTLY ERRORS
Must-win game for Turbos skipper
Manawatu¯ Turbos captain Heiden Bedwell-curtis will lead the side into battle for his 50th game for the province in what is a must-win encounter against Hawke’s Bay tomorrow.
Bedwell-curtis was a certain starter for the match, but otherwise there was uncertainty around the rest of the makeup of the side, with a few players carrying injury from Manawatu¯ ’s 46-25 loss to Taranaki in New Plymouth on Wednesday night.
The team wouldn’t be finalised until a captain’s run this morning, while Hawke’s Bay weren’t naming their team until Friday night. The 26-year-old Bedwell-curtis has played 49 games for Manawatu¯ since he came down from Taranaki in 2013 and has been a regular fixture in the loose forwards since.
He became the full-time captain this year, taking over from Callum Gibbins, who left for Scotland.
First five-eighth Otere Black is yet to hear the result of scans on his knee, but it could be serious.
He was on crutches with ice strapped to his knee after the match, having taken an awkward fall during the game.
Fullback Kurt Baker is struggling with a crook hamstring, wing Ambrose Curtis took a head knock, so may not be cleared for the game, while hooker Hunter Prescott may not be fit either.
But there is cover in the outside backs. Young outside back Te Rangatira Waitokia could start, Lewis Marshall could play against his former team and there is a chance for wing Nathan Tudreu to play his first game of the season.
At least in Black’s absence, Jade Te Rure is a more-thancapable replacement, and Sam Malcolm, who has been used as halfback cover this season, is a natural first five-eighth and could deputise there.
In the hooking department, Englishman Tom Crozier is a chance to get a start, with Tim Cadwallader available too. It will be lock Jackson Hemopo’s blazer game. He has played every minute of every game this season.
Whoever plays, the game is crucial to win if the Turbos want to reach the playoffs.
They are fourth in the championship and need a win to make sure they qualify, with Otago a chance to overtake them.
Second-placed Northland’s loss to Wellington on Thursday night helped the Turbos, so if Manawatu¯ win without a bonus point they could still qualify.
If Manawatu¯ get a bonus-point win, it could mean a home semifinal if premiership side Waikato beat third-placed Bay of Plenty or winless Southland upset Otago.
A win is the easiest way to take all the different permutations out of the equation, but even though Hawke’s Bay are sixth with only one win, it won’t be easy for Manawatu¯ to trek to Napier.
Hawke’s Bay haven’t been flash this season, but they are sure to be fired up for a clash against rivals Manawatu¯ and they will relish the chance to knock Manawatu¯ out of semifinal reckoning.
Add in Manawatu¯ ’s shocking record in Napier - not having won there since 1955 - it will be a tough road trip for the Turbos.
The KR Tremain Memorial Trophy, which Hawke’s Bay hold, is on the line and should give added motivation.