Injury worries ease for Wanganui coach
Wanganui coach Jason Caskey is hoping for some positive news from his physio ahead of the side’s 10th appearance in the Mead Cup finals against Horowhenua Kapiti in Levin today.
Injuries have been the story of the defending champion’s season, which has had Caskey referring to physio Kent Stembridge as a ‘‘reverse Santa Claus’’.
‘‘We have had a bit of a torrid time with injuries of late. The physio has probably been the most hated man in the squad. He is a reverse Santa Claus - he keeps taking things away from you all the time.’’
But as the side chases a remarkable sixth title - no other team has won more than two - Wanganui have players coming back rather than being ruled out.
Among that group is former Highlanders, Otago, Manawatu¯ and Bay of Plenty utility back Craig Clare, who has recovered from concussion to take his place at second five-eighth.
But more surprising is the potential return of the side’s top-scorer Timoci Seruwalu.
The powerful midfielder was put in a cast two weeks ago for a broken hand, but has been named on the bench for Saturday pending final clearance to play.
‘‘It will be really good to be able to bring him on with 20 minutes to go. It will give us a bit of impetus,’’ Caskey said.
Other players battling injuries are centre Kaveni Dabenaise (knee), halfback Tom Stewart (back) and prop Hamish Mellow (back).
Wanganui have the chance to be the first team to claim the Meads Cup in three consecutive seasons.
But this year they have taken a very different route to the final than 2016.
Last season they romped through the competition unbeaten. But this year they scrapped into the top four when results went their way in the final round. They then picked off top qualifiers South Canterbury in the semifinals.
Caskey was happy to take the underdogs-tag into Saturday’s final.
‘‘I think it is good,’’ he said. ‘‘You do get a lot of pressure, like last year when we were undefeated going into the final, when you are clear favourites and everybody expects you to win. We are not going to have those expectations on us this year. We just have to get out there and do what we know we can do and hopefully we go well enough and we can come out on top.’’
Wanganui lost the sides’ previous meeting 15-8 earlier this year.
‘‘It was bloody wet that day so we made a lot of mistakes,’’ Caskey said.
‘‘The conditions really suited them because they have a big strong forward pack and some strong inside backs as well. They play to their strengths really well. They are a pretty confrontational team and they are not overly expansive but what they do, they do well.’’
This weekend’s weather forecast looks more favourable Wanganui’s expansive style.
Horowhenua Kapiti named the same team for Saturday that beat Buller 18-17 in their Meads Cup semifinal.
They will be looking for their biggest result since winning the 1993 NPC division three final 15-9 against Wanganui. On that day they had a young Carlos Spencer in the No 10 jersey.
This year’s first five-eighth, James So’oialo, will be no less important to their chances of winning than Spencer was in 1993.
So’oialo’s boot got them across the line against Buller and he will be called on plenty of times to help steer Horowhenua-Kapiti’s big forward pack around the park.
Horowhenua Kapiti coach Chris Wilton said he has not been putting his team through heavy training sessions in the lead-up to the final.
‘‘A lot of the focus this week is on recovery and ensuring players are feeling fresh heading into Saturday. Playing in finals is all about attitude. Wanganui have finals experience and we won’t be lacking motivation or attitude,’’ he said.
‘‘To win an extraordinary game you have to play extraordinary rugby.’’ to