Rugby: Door wide open for Josh Eden-Whaitiri

Captain's Stint: Josh Eden-Whaitiri will captain the Hawke's Bay Saracens on Monday. Photo/Paul Taylor

The fact Clive rugby lock Josh Eden-Whaitiri is completing a Bachelor of Business Degree through EIT is an indication he is reasonably well off in the brains department.

However, he wouldn't need too much intelligence to work out he's got a pretty good chance of being a regular Magpies starter come Mitre 10 Cup time.

Hurricanes lock and the Magpies 2016 MVP Geoff Cridge isn't playing any Super Rugby this year and his Magpies game time may be limited if his recovery from a knee injury doesn't go to plan. With fellow Cane Mark Abbott to start a two-year contract with Japanese Top League team Coca-Cola Red Sparks next month, Chiefs lock Michael Allardice yet to start a Super Rugby game this season and experienced Magpie Trent Boswell-Wakefield on an OE stint, the chance is there for Eden-Whaitiri.

"The little sniff I had last year [three games off the subs bench] made me want to push on. With all those guys leaving I've got to try and get a contract," Eden-Whaitiri said.

"I've still got to put in good performances each week like I have been for Clive and then it's up to the coaches. The fact I've been named captain for Monday is a sign I'm in contention," he said referring to his captaincy appointment for the Hawke's Bay Saracens team to take on Wairarapa Bush at Park Island on Monday.

"Although when we get to this level one doesn't have to do much as a captain. It's more about individual responsibility."

There is also today's round of club rugby which has to be navigated by the Saracens and in Eden-Whaitiri and Clive's case they've got to take on the in-form Texans at Whitmore Park. Tech beat the riversiders 40-10 during the Nash Cup round.

"Tech are a good team. We need to front up against a very good pack. Hopefully we can match them."

Eden-Whaitiri, 27, will still play 80 minutes today.

"It's a case of first things first and that's playing Tech. I've got Sunday to recover and then it's back to work again on Monday," Eden-Whaitiri said.

"I'm expecting Wairarapa Bush to be a classic Heartland team ... one with a gutsy pack and a few speedsters. But it's important we focus on ourselves and do what we are capable of doing."

Eden-Whaitiri said the Saracens had trained well during the past month and adapted well to the structures introduced by coaches Mutu Ngarimu and Mark Ozich. He is also enjoying his studies which he is undertaking on a Hawke's Bay Rugby Football Union scholarship.

"It's good to have that balance."

Unavailable through injuries or other commitments for the Saracens team which has been selected from the Magpies wider training group, were the Hastings Rugby and Sports pair of prop Jason Long and winger Mason Emerson, the Napier Old Boys Marist quartet of prop Jarvy Aoake, lock-loosie Hannon Brighouse, halfback Ellery Wilson and winger Mitch Drew, the Havelock North pair of flanker Tony Lamborn and first five-eighth Dan Snee and the Taradale pair of halfback Chris Eaton and second five-eighth Billy Ropiha.

Former Napier Technical and Napier Old Boys Marist club player Leo Eneliko will start at second five-eighth for Wairarapa Bush. First five-eighth Tim Priest is an experienced operator and flanker James Goodger has deserved his New Zealand Heartland XV selection in the past.

Teams:
Hawke's Bay Saracens: Tamati Samuels, Shannan Chase, Hayden Hann, Cole Eru, Naua Uaisele, Ash Robinson-Bartlett, Zac Donaldson, Joseph Penitito, Ben Hamelink, Matt Gardner, Ben Parsons, Josh Eden-Whaitiri (captain), Paulo Nu'u, Nick Hyde, Mark Braidwood. Substitutes: Jacob Devery, Jorian Tangaere, Mason Kean, Tyler Symon-Burke, Faalemiga Selesele, Johnny Lauano, Tianua Poto, Tom Iosefo, Kaleb Sweet, Lucas Goodin, Jordarn Harmer, Dan McIntyre/Nick Biss.

Wairarapa Bush: Corey McFadzean, Nikora Ewe, Robbie Anderson, Leo Eneliko, Inia Katia, Tim Priest, Joseph Thompson, Brendon Campbell, Eddie Cranston, James Goodger, Andrew McLean, Lachie McFadzean, Jacko Hull, James Pakoti, Nick Hohepa. Substitutes: Ryan Hargood, Epeli Rayaqayaqa, Sam Tufuga, Chaz Matthews, Bryan Arnold, Cyrus Baker, Soli Malatai, Tipene Haira, Reece Calkin.