RUGBY
THAMES Valley are favourites going into tomorrow’s Heartland clash against Poverty Bay but Swamp Foxes coach Matt Bartleet is wary of the home side.
“They’re in a similar situation to what we were in last week, when we played North Otago — do or die,” said Bartleet, whose team are fourth with three games to play before the semifinals.
Thames Valley have a good record against the Bay in Gisborne, having won the past two games here. In 2015, they won 43-37.
“We needed to beat North Otago to stay in the hunt for a top-eight place, and the bonus point has given us a crack at making top four,” Bartleet said.
“The boys produced their best performance of the season.
“This is another big game for us.
“A win tomorrow would all but guarantee us at least a place in the Lochore Cup (fifth-to-eighth) playoffs.
“Looking at the Bay’s position, it’s a bit of a do-or-die situation for them, which will give them a lot of motivation. Win, and they are back in the race for top four, top eight.”
Bartleet took charge of Thames Valley in 2017 after they failed to win a game in 2016.
He started a rebuilding process, bringing in some new players and some players returning to the district.
“We’ve tried to build a good team culture where everyone wants to play for the team and each other, and so far, so good,” said Bartleet whose assistant coaches are Thames Valley stalwarts David Harrison and Joe Murray.
The team are well led by captain Brett Ranga (blindside flanker) and Shaun Hill (midfield back), with support from former Waikato and Chiefs No.8 Alex Bradley, openside flanker Christian Kelleher, in-form hooker Glen McIntyre and centre Sam McCahon, who was among the tryscorers last week.
Winger Kieran Lee scored two five-pointers, while first five-eighth Reece Broughton kicked two conversions and three penalties.
Bay coach Mana Otai has made a couple of changes to the side who beat Ngati Porou East Coast 26-19 last week, thanks to an intercept try to halfback Mario Counsell.
First five-eighth Kelvin Smith is unavailable so loan player Tom Iosefo wears the No.10 jersey, while Cameron Rowden takes Iosefo’s place on the right wing.
Willis Tamatea is also unavailable, which opens the door for Jacob Cook, who did not play last week due to illness, to take Tamatea’s place on the bench.
Matt Raleigh benefits from Rowden’s promotion from the bench to starting spot, by being included in the match-day 22.
“That was our worst performance of the season, but in saying that you have to give credit to the Coast — they were up for it,” Otai said.
“Coming off the back of a big loss the previous week, they were always going to be motivated.
“We started well, making some easy metres, then it seemed like complacency set in and once the Coast got in front the momentum was with them.
“I was pleased that at 19-all the boys kept their heads and won. But that’s twice now we’ve left it late to win.
“We don’t want to be in that position again tomorrow.”
Poverty Bay (1-22):Toru Noanoa, Tamanui Hill (captain), Andrew Petelo, Micaiah Torrance-Reid, Sam McDell, Fawn White, Callum McDonald, Jesse Kapene, Willy Grogan, Tom Iosefo, Te Peehi Fairlie, Anthony Karauria, Mapa Tuipulotu, Cameron Rowden, Andrew Tauatevalu. Reserves: Shayde Skudder, Campbell Chrisp, Semisi Akana, Jacob Cook, Mario Counsell, Oka Sanerivi, Matt Raleigh.