Raft of changes for SC in final Heartland round
A loan-less South Canterbury side should have no problems dispatching East Coast on Saturday to finish top of the Heartland Championship.
South Canterbury head to Ruatoria without any of the five players loan players used this season.
Key backs Liam Edwards and Shayne Anderson are still on the injured list but are expected to be fit for the semifinal, while No.8 Brad Hemopo is unavailable.
South Canterbury coach Barry Matthews has dispensed with the services of loan midfield backs Sakenasa Aca and Junior Tiai, preferring the locals.
Player of origin Phil Henderson is however starting at lock beside Luke Brice.
Matthews has also had to call on his 40th player for the season, in only seven games, such has been the injury toll.
Hooker Johnny Andrews has been recalled in the absence of Jarred Gilmour, while Will Joines, Glen Sturgess, Kevin Moore and Setefano Sauqaqa are also back on the bench.
The pack sees the return of Matt Fetu after two weeks out, while BJ Oliver will also get to start on the openside with Nick Strachan have a niggling injury.
Captain Kieran Coll shifts back to No.8 in the absence of Hemopo, who was always going to miss the game with a long standing engagement.
Former wing Leone Nawalu also gets his second start on the blindside, with the Matthews and assistant coach Grant McFarlane keen for him to get more experience in the forwards.
‘‘We want to have options when it comes to the semifinal.’’
Matthews has opted for Jared Trevathan at first five after Theo Davidson suffered a season ending injury last week in his first start and Miles Medlicott broke his thumb against West Coast.
That sees Sireli Buliruarua move to fullback and George Folau starts on the wing.
Loni Toumohuni gets to start at second five with the in-form Vatiliai Tora moving out spot to centre.
Matthews has been forced to use five different midfield combination in eight games with injury and form both factors.
‘‘It’s not been ideal but fortunately we have created depth in the squad.’’
Matthews said a key for the side was to concentrate in what was in front of them.
‘‘We can’t be thinking about the
(from 15): Sireli Buliruarua, George Folau, Vatiliai Tora, Loni Toumohuni, Kalavini Leatigaga, Jared Willie Wright, Kieran Coll (c), BJ Oliver, Leone Nawalu, Phil Henderson, Luke Brice, Ben Hewitson, Marac Beckham, Matt Fetu; substitutes: Johnny Andrews, Henry Bryce, Will Joines, Nick Strachan, Glen Sturgess, Kevin Moore, Setefano Sauqaqa. semis, East Coast haven’t been going that well but they are dangerous at home and would love an upset.’’ Matthews said his biggest concern was starting well.
‘‘The boys played well for 70 minutes last week but we gave Wairarapa Bush that start, which we can’t afford.
‘‘We take a lot of pride in our systems, we need to stay in them.’’
Matthews said defence was another area that still needed some work. ‘‘It has been the same every week but again the boys know what is expected of them.’’
Matthews said the team knows they are in charge of their own destiny, which is an advantage.
‘‘We win and it’s a home semi, win that and it’s a home final.’’
Who South Canterbury will play is still up in the air with Horowhenua Kapiti, Buller, North Otago, Mid Canterbury and defending champions Wanganui possibilities.
Horowhenua Kapiti have to travel to Westport to play Buller while North Otago head to Cooks Garden to face the Butcher Boys.
Mid Canterbury need a bonus point win over King Country in Taupo and hope other results go their way to sneak into the Meads Cup semis.