Coast's Moeke in NZ Heartland squad

BRING ON THE AUSSIES: Ngati Porou East Coast’s TK Moeke has made the NZ Heartland XV squad to play two games against Australian Barbarians. Picture by Paul Rickard

DESPITE Ngati Porou East Coast finishing bottom of the Heartland Championship, centre TK Moeke has been named in the New Zealand Heartland XV squad to play three games next month.

The side are to face New Zealand Marist at Masterton on Saturday, November 7, the Australian Barbarians at Levin on Tuesday, November 10, and the Barbarians again at Wanganui on Friday, November 13.

There are no Poverty Bay players in the 25-strong Heartland squad, who will be co-coached by Mutu Ngarimu (Poverty Bay) and Grant Keenan (Mid Canterbury).

Also in the squad is former Poverty Bay midfield back Moss Doran, now playing for Thames Valley.

Doran and Moeke were the 12-13 combination in the Poverty Bay team who made the Meads Cup top-four playoffs last year.

It is the fourth straight year Moeke has earned NZ Heartland selection.

“I hadn’t really thought about making the team this year after the season we had but obviously I’m happy to have been selected,” said Moeke.

Great experience for young playersNow 32, Moeke wore the silver fern in 2012 and 2013 while playing for the Coast and again last year as a member of the Bay team.

While disappointed with the Coast’s winless Heartland season, Moeke said it was all about giving young players the chance to experience play at this level.

“It was easy to play well in the teams over the past three years. They all had not only experienced players but players of a high calibre.

“This year we had a lot of young players still coming to grips with the higher level. We weren’t helped when we lost experienced players, including Richard Apanui and Tripoli Poi, at various times — Tripoli missing most of the latter stages of the season with a serious arm injury. But I see he’s out running around now and that’s a good sign.”

With a shortage of experience on a regular basis Moeke was forced play centre, first five-eighth and No.8 in one match.

“I don’t mind admitting it was tough at times . . . but I believe that if Willie (Waitoa, Coast coach) can work with this year’s squad over the summer, things will be different next year.

“But the work has to start now, not two weeks, or even four weeks, before the Heartland starts.”

Consistency key to Heartland success“There were some positive signs, with players like Lennon Carrington (No.8), Donny Mill (openside flanker) and Kris Palmer (wing) and others, who showed real promise at different times. But it’s all about consistency — playing well week in, week out.”

The NZ Heartland side will be captained for the fifth time by Wanganui flanker Peter Rowe.

“Mutu and I are very excited with the squad that’s been selected,” said Keenan. “Each player has excelled for their respective province.

“We’ve selected a blend of youth and experience within the backline, and a forward pack which will provide a strong set piece and physicality in the breakdown area.

“The New Zealand Marist XV will provide a perfect build-up to the touring Australian Barbarians and will ensure we’ll be well prepared for our traditional rivals.”

The Australian Barbarians comprise players from the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship and who were not contracted to Super Rugby clubs this year.