Combinations the focus for Bay in pre-season clash

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

They have a point to prove.

The Mana Otai-coached Poverty Bay lost 78-0 to Taranaki in the Ranfurly Shield Challenge last Saturday but tomorrow’s 2.30pm clash with Horowhenua-Kapiti in Napier is a different proposition.

Tremain Field, in the Napier suburb of Pirimai, is a firmer track than Shield venue Tikorangi Domain. Showers are expected.

One of Otai’s priorities this season is strengthening and tightening up the Bay’s play at set-piece.

“This game is about getting combinations together, bringing new players into the mix and seeing how well they adapt under pressure,” said Otai.

“It starts at kick-off, kick reception, up front, so that’s where we’ve recruited.”

The Bay will again be led by Tamanui Hill — a tough, powerful forward.

Hill, the experienced Campbell Chrisp (40 caps) and six-foot-five-inch player of origin Micaiah Torrance-Read, who played for Taranaki last year, need to be prominent if the Bay are to earn their first win over Horowhenua-Kapiti since 2012 (31-15 in Levin).

Hill is on the same wavelength as his coach.

“I want our boys to play well and get some good connections going,” said Hill.

Several key players from premier club finalists YMP and Waikohu are being rested, Waikohu’s Ken Houkamau and Ethine Reeves among them.

Andrew Tauatevalu will get the chance to show his silky skills in the number 10 jersey, a significant shift from his usual winger’s spot.

Blindside flanker Aaron Lahmert will lead the ’Nua in his 37th appearance for that union, with 78-game veteran lock Ryan Shelford on the bench. Both are quality players.

The last game between the sides was a 39-5 win to Horowhenua-Kapiti on September 2 at Gisborne in last year’s Heartland Championship.

Poverty Bay have a record of five wins, three losses and one draw against Horowhenua-Kapiti since the inception of the Heartland Championship.

Tomorrow’s game will be refereed by 28-year-old lawyer Sam Fellows (Bay of Plenty), with Hawke’s Bay’s Hugh Reed and Stuart Catley his assistants.

Poverty Bay (1 to 15): Campbell Chrisp, Tamanui Hill (captain), Andrew Petelo, Micaiah Torrance-Read, Jacob Cook, Kurt Taylor, Fawn White, Jesse Kapene, Willy Grogan, Andrew Tauatevalu, Korey Love, Anthony Karauria, Oka Sanerivi, Tom Iosefo, Cameron Rowden.

Reserves: Shayde Skudder, Rikki Terekia, Semisi Akana, Sam McDell, Callum MacDonald, Hamuera Baker, Mapa Tu’ipulotu, Matthew Raleigh, Kelvin Smith.