Injury-struck YMP waiting to ‘see who turns up’

YMP will be without hooker Shayde Skudder (right), seen here in April against Waikohu. First five-eighth Ra Marshall is set to play this must-win game for Waikohu. Picture by Liam Clayton

YMP will be without Poverty Bay hooker Shayde Skudder for tomorrow’s crunch premier club rugby game against Waikohu at Manutuke. Skudder is the latest in a long list of injuries to hit Farmvets YMP this season but coach Reihana Wyllie refuses to use “the injury excuse”.

"Shayde did his shoulder last week against HSOB and I won’t be in a position to name the starting team until just before kick-off when I see who turns up,” said Wyllie. “Because of all the injuries we were restricted to light training sessions this week but the boys all agree we just have to suck it up and show what we’re made of.

“We’re in the position we said we didn’t want to be in . . . under pressure to stay in the top four with only three games to play before the semis.”

Waikohu 'will be hard to beat'The team putting the heat on YMP are tomorrow’s opponents, Aon Waikohu, who are two points behind the Magpies.

“It doesn’t surprise me Waikohu are challenging for a top four spot,” Wyllie said. “After we played them earlier in the year I predicted they would be serious contenders if they stayed clear of injuries and kept improving.

“They’ve got a solid forward pack and some lively backs, and if Rico (Gear) and Jake (Paringatai) play, that’s going to make them even harder to beat. I’ve heard they won’t be playing but we’ll prepare as though they are. Even if they’re not, Waikohu will be hard to beat.”

Ferris boys back for YMPWyllie received some good news with the twins Jeremy and James Ferris set to return from injuries.

“They’re both competitive players, with plenty of premier experience, and won’t be fazed by the pressure of this game,” said Wyllie, whose side are still looking for their first win at Manutuke since returning to the home ground two years ago. “The best we’ve had is a draw so now would be a good time to get a win. It’s also our last home game this season and the boys are up for the challenge.”

Gear and ParingataiWaikohu coach Tahi Hiroki said Gear and Paringatai would not be playing after making their debuts for the Te Karaka side last weekend.

“That’s OK. It was good to have players of their calibre and to have them if we make the playoffs,” Hiroki said. “Neither of them started last week so more than likely we’ll start with last week’s run-on side, with maybe a change here or there. No matter who I pick the emphasis, as it has been all season, will be on playing as a team.

“We know YMP will be fired up for this game after losing last week to HSOB and we know how playing at home helps our players raise their games.”

While Waikohu have based their game around “team”, they have potential match-winners in skipper and hooker Geoff Pari, halfback Mario Counsell, No.8 Tapu Dixon, first-five Ra Marshall, livewire loosie Tulsa Kaui and speedsters Larry Fleming and Fagan Ruru.