Turbos count on experience
A host of experienced names have been reinstated in the Manawatu¯ Turbos starting XV for their clash with Counties Manukau in Palmerston North tonight.
Otere Black, Michael Alaalatoa, Fraser Armstrong, Kayne Hammington and Brice Henderson all return to the side for the match which could be key to the Turbos’ chances of a home semifinal.
Black takes the first five-eighth duties off Jade Te Rure, who started the last three games for the Turbos. Black started the first four games of the season but when he was hit by illness ahead of the side’s match against Waikato, Te Rure was given a shot.
Te Rure’s form saw him hold onto the starting spot for the following two matches with Black forced to come off the bench.
But they have reversed roles again, giving Black a chance to stamp his mark ahead of the business end of the competition.
Coach Jeremy Cotter has reinstated his top props after giving them a spell against Southland with Fraser Armstrong and Michael Alaalatoa back starting and Tuki Raimona and Sean Paranihi on the bench.
Hammington’s return means Jamie Booth returns to the bench, while Henderson shunts Harrrison Brewer out of the No 8 jersey.
Hooker Tom Crozier has retained his starting spot after impressing in his first start of the team against Southland.
Hunter Prescott remains on the bench with Tim Cadwallader still battling an ankle injury.
Cadwallader admitted it has been tough dealing with the injury right as he was starting to get comfortable in the No 2 jersey.
But he hoped to be right in time of the side’s match against Taranaki in New Plymouth on Wednesday.
Te Rangatira Waitokia has retained his spot at fullback after a solid debut against Southland and with Kurt Baker still troubled by his hamstring injury.
On the bench, Liam Hallameames returns from his knee injury, while Hamish Northcott returns after a week off in the place of Curtis Reid.
Wing Nathan Tudreu remains the only contracted squad member yet to take the field this season.
The 28-year-old, who has played 27 games and scored nine tries for the Turbos since his debut in 2014, has been healthy and training with the team all season, but appears to have slipped below brother Newton Tudreu, Ambrose Curtis, Waitokia, Baker and Willy Ambaka in the outside back rotation.
The Turbos will be looking to keep their positive run of form alive with a strong showing against Counties Manukau.
It is only the fourth time since Manawatu¯ ’s return to the top flight of provincial rugby that they have recorded a three-game win streak. The first came in 2011 and they pulled it off twice during their victorious 2014 season - the second time that season it ran six games including the semifinal and final.
Meanwhile, Counties Manukau have made at switch at first fiveeighth with Stephen Donald named ahead of Baden Kerr.
The only other change to the side which beat Northland last week is on the wing with Luteru Laulala coming in for the injured Albert Nikoro.