Quadragenarian on Southland’s bench
RUGBY Mitre 10 Cup
EXPERIENCED, seasoned, longserving — vintage even.
However you describe Southland hooker Jason Rutledge, playing toplevel rugby into your 40s is a remarkable feat.
The 42yearold, who last suited up for the Stags in 2016, has been named on the bench for Southland’s opening Mitre 10 Cup game against Hawke’s Bay in Invercargill tomorrow.
That will make him one of the oldest players — certainly in the professional era — to play in a firstclass game.
‘‘I’m more than ready for it,’’ he said with genuine enthusiasm.
‘‘I’ve played club rugby all year and held my own.’’ He certainly did.
Rutledge has got himself into tremendous shape through crossfit exercise and had a strong season for Woodlands, which blitzed Star 8331 in the club final.
Rutledge amassed 138 games for the Stags between 2000 and 2016. He also made 59 appearances for the Highlanders.
The way he sees it he is in ‘‘bonus territory now’’. His wife and four children have his back, so there is no stopping him.
And his beloved Southland has somewhat of a crisis in the hooking department. Talemaitoga Tuapati has fractured a bone in his hand and is out for eight to 12 weeks.
Flynn Thomas dislocated his shoulder while playing club rugby in Dunedin and had surgery this week.
Replacement hooker Sebastian Siataga has arrived in Southland late, so was not considered for the game against Hawke’s Bay.
Jacob Payne is returning from a lengthy injury spell and Greg PleasantsTate has a fractured finger but will just strap it up and play on.
Having someone of Rutledge’s ilk to lean on was a blessing, coach Dale MacLeod said.
Southland: Josh Moorby, Rory van Vugt, Isaac Te Tamaki, Jaye Thompson, Amanaki Nicole, Scott Eade, Logan Crowley, Tony Lamborn, Matt James, Charles Alaimalo, Mike McKee, Manaaki SelbyRickit, Siate Tokolahi, Greg PleasantsTate, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Joe Walsh, Chris Apoua, Ray Tatafu, Glenn Preston, Raniera Takarangi, Greg Dyer, Ray Nu’u. Hawke’s Bay: Kurt Baker, Jonah Lowe, Stacey Ili, Ollie Sapsford, Mason Emerson, Lincoln McClutchie, Folau Fakatava, Devan Flanders, Brendon O'Connor, Marino MikaeleTu'u, Tom Parsons, Geoff Cridge, Joe Apikotoa,
Ash Dixon (captain), Pouri RaketeStones. Reserves: Kianu KereruSymes, Jason Long, Joel Hintz, Isaia WalkerLeawere, Solomone Funaki, Brad Weber, Caleb Makene, Lolagi Visinia.
‘‘It was always in our mind that he could come in if something happened on a Thursday or a Friday, then we could slot him in there,’’ MacLeod said.
‘‘But I didn’t think I’d be bringing in a 42yearold this early.’’
Despite the awful run of injuries, Southland has been able to put together a pretty decent tight five of Mike McKee, Manaaki SelbyRickit, Siate
Tokolahi, PleasantsTate and Ethan de Groot.
Southland will need to muscle up. Hawke’s Bay has a talented pack and penchant for scoring tries from lineout drives.
Hooker Ash Dixon bagged seven tries last season and will no doubt try to tuck in at the back of a maul again in search of more.
‘‘We knew 12 months ago how they would try and play us. They have two outstanding leaders in the pack in Ash Dixon and Gareth Evans,’’ MacLeod said.
‘‘They are not going to change too much. They will come down and try and bully us.’’
Southland has named midfielder Ray Nu’u on the bench. He would normally start but he has been ill this week.
❛ It was always in our
mind that he could come in if something happened on a Thursday
or a Friday, then we could slot him in there. But I didn’t think I’d be bringing in a 42year
old this early
Southland coach Dale MacLeod (left), referring to Jason Rutledge