Haerewa comeback timely for Sky Blues

WELCOME BACK: Hone Haerewa returns to the Ngati Porou East Coast side after playing for the Heartland Championship under-19 team at the national u19 tournament. Picture by Paul Rickard

NGATI Porou East Coast coach Willie Waitoa is expecting King Country to “come out all guns blazing” when the sides meet in Taupo tomorrow.

“They’re out of contention for the Meads Cup (top four) but are in the running to finish sixth and get a home semi in the Lochore Cup,” said Waitoa, still looking for his first win as East Coast Heartland coach since taking over this season.

“Obviously as a coach you would rather win than lose, but I feel for the boys.

“Before last week, we showed glimpses of some form, scored a few tries and looked like we could get a win; but not last week (a 45-5 loss to Wairarapa Bush).

“We undid all the good work from the previous three weeks.”

Waitoa’s side will be strengthened by the return of experienced No.10 Richard Apanui, who missed last week’s loss due to a head injury received the previous week against West Coast.

“We’ll also have Hone Haerewa back from playing for the Heartland under-19 team at the national u19 tournament.

“That’s timely as Te Miini Kohere-Smiler broke his nose last week. Hone will come straight in to lock with Rex Pollock.

“Apart from Richard, the backline is the same as last week.”

The Coast backline, particularly centre TK Moeke and winger Kris Palmer, have shown in recent weeks they are capable of scoring tries — including five against defending champions Mid Canterbury in Timaru.

“We should have beaten Horowhenua Kapiti in Ruatoria and they’re in the top four,” Waitoa said.

“That shows we’re on the right track. What we have to do is stop leaking tries and hopefully Richard will play a key part in that this weekend.”

NPEC (1-15): Pera Bishop, Kareti Palmer, Mike Chambers, Hone Haerewa, Rex Pollock, Simon Beale, Donny Mill, Lennon Carrington (captain), Sam Parkes, Richard Apanui, Pamona Samupo, Courtney Mita, TK Moeke, Kris Palmer, Whakarae Henare. Reserves: Luke Bates, Reg McClutchie, Storm Moran, Tim Barbarich, Charlie Harrison, BJ Sidney, Ngatu Mauhenui.