“That’s a long time but it’s not just about this game. It’s a chance for both of us (Para and co-coach Wayne Ensor) to have a look at players who might be stepping up to this level for the first time, trying to earn places in the Heartland Championship squads, which is why we’re trialling some loan players as well as locals.
“This is the first step for anyone who has aspirations of playing Heartland rugby to show us they have the ability.”
Both teams have new skippers — hooker Tamanui Hill leading the Bay, openside flanker Paddy Allen captaining the Coast.
“Perrin Manuel did a good job last year but he’s based in Hawke’s Bay and we wanted a home-based player,” said Para.
“Paddy leads by example every week at club level and is one of our leadership group. He’ll have good support from Perrin, TK (Moeke), Verdon (Bartlett), Sammy (Parkes), Hone (Haerewa), who will come off the bench, and Jayden Milner.”
Otai said Tamanui, who had battled back from a serious knee injury, brought outstanding qualities to the role.
“He has shown his commitment and determination to get back to action. He brings an intensity and professionalism to the team and is a very skilful player.”
Otai, in his second season as the Bay’s coach, knows how important the derby is regarded by both provincies.
“I saw first-hand the emotion that comes with this game and it’s a great opportunity to give some players the chance to show us they can step up from club rugby.
“But it’s also a game we want to win, which is why we have chosen players with Heartland experience and who know what the Coast will bring tomorrow,” Poverty Bay coach Mana Otai said.
“It’s the first step in the process to the Heartland Championship, which will continue with a Ranfurly Shield game, then pre-season games against Horowhenua Kapiti and the Saracens (Hawke’s Bay), and a training session with Manawatu.
“There’s no doubt some new players will be under the spotlight and it’s up to them to perform . . . without thinking this game is the be-all and end-all.
“I’m looking at attitude and commitment and how players interact with their teammates.”
Otai said some players in the 33-man squad were not considered because of injury or family commitments.
“With some, we are well aware of their ability to play Heartland rugby and I want to make it clear the door is not shut. I want to see players who are training with us take what they have learned back to their clubs and improve between now and the club semifinals, which is when we hope to name the Heartland squad.”
Perhaps the biggest surprise, for some, in the starting 15 for tomorrow is Athletic’s Jesse Kapene at No.8.
The former rugby league winger, who started the season as a midfield back, has forced his way in with tremendous performances all season since Athletic coach Jimmy Whaitiri moved him to flanker.
Kapene completes a mobile loose trio alongside blindside flanker Willis Tamatea and openside Stefan Destounis.
Destounis was the hat-trick hero for the Coast in their only win in 2016. Te Peehi Fairlie (centre) is another former Coast player wearing red tomorrow.
On the other side of the ledger, Coast captain Paddy Allen, second five-eighth TK Moeke and halfback Sam Parkes have swapped red for sky blue . . . adding a bit of spice to what should be a cracking game in front of a vocal home crowd at Tolaga Bay.
Moeke could be a key man for the home side with his experience, skill and competitive streak.
He is a hard man to stop and loves nothing better than taking on the defence. He is also capable of spreading the ball wide with accurate passes to free up the outside backs.
Co-coaches Troy Para and Wayne Ensor have bolstered their side with three loan players — props Hakarangi Tichborne (Linton Army) and Anaru Potae (Bay of Plenty) and lock Adaam Ross (Northland).
“The front row was an area we struggled with last year, which is why we have looked to strenghten that this year,” Para said.
“We’re also looking at Adaam (a former Manawatu Turbos player) to give us more height in the lineouts.
“Perrin Manuel, who will start at No.8 tomorrow, can also play in the front row so it’s all about building some depth in what are key areas of the game — set pieces.
“Everyone knows we like to run the ball and get it out wide but you have to earn the right to go wide by doing the hard yards up front.”?
