Club rugby semi-finalists lose players to crusade
Christchurch and Lincoln University will both be missing key operators for the Canterbury Metro Trophy semi-finals on Saturday.
With the Crusaders forced to go on the road for their Super Rugby quarter-final against the Lions in Johannesburg on Sunday morning, both sides have lost a crucial playmaker.
Fijian international Ben Volavola, who has been in strong form at first five for top qualifiers Christchurch in recent weeks, will be sitting on the bench at Ellis Park, rather than running around Christchurch Park against New Brighton.
Defending champions Lincoln University will be without their influential midfielder Jack Goodhue, who travelled to South Africa as backline cover with the Crusaders, but hasn’t been named in the match-day 23. The country students would have loved to have Goodhue, one of their best this season, for their semi-final clash with Sydenham, but do have sufficient depth to fill the void. Coach John Haggart has pushed New Zealand under-20s star Jordie Barrett from fullback into second five, alongside the dependable Harrison Groundwater at centre. Fellow New Zealand under-20 player Caleb Makene slots into fullback, having missed last week’s victory over New Brighton.
Lincoln University will be favourites against Sydenham, but will know they need to match it with them up front to win.
Sydenham have a physical forward pack, which includes experienced lock Kalave Aualiitia and barnstorming No 8 Misi Lamositele, who is having his finest season in club rugby.
Backline utility Mitch Hunt missed Crusaders’ selection for South Africa and will wear the fullback jersey for Sydenham.
Lincoln have won both games against Sydenham this season 15-10 and 34-16.
They appear to be peaking at the right stage of the competition, having strung three consecutive wins together. Christchurch have beaten New Brighton twice this season [18-14 and 31-15], but will be cautious of the seasiders.
New Brighton won the first round of the competition, but have struggled in section play, stuttering into the semi-finals with two straight losses.
Without Volavola, Matt Kottier will be tasked with steering Christchurch around the field from first five.
New Brighton have been boosted with first five Scott Davidson, flanker Louis Harmon and hooker Marcel CummingsToone all returning to their starting 15.
In the middle tier plate section, University host Sumner, while Linwood meet Marist Albion at Linfield Park. High School Old Boys take on winless Burnside in the bottom tier bowl section and Shirley matches up against Belfast.
All games start at 2.45pm.