SHANE HURNDELL
Hawke's Bay hooker Helen McGregor knows the battle of the frontrows will be tough in this afternoon's NPC women's rugby clash but it's not the only concern for the Tuis.
"Yes they've got some good quality frontrowers but Vanessa Cootes is their most dangerous weapon," McGregor (right) said as she
pondered the Tennyson Tuis NPC division one match against Waikato at Napier's McLean Park.
A fourth year Tui, McGregor, was referring to the former Black Ferns winger who scored 215 points in 16 internationals between 1995 and 2002.
Last year Cootes was named on the wing but ended up playing at fullback against the Tuis in a match the visitors won 29-22 in Hamilton. Once again Cootes has been named as a winger for today's game but the Tuis camp expect her to start in the No.15 jersey.
"After beating them away from home last year it would be good to beat them here on McLean Park," McGregor said.
Taradale's McGregor will mark Black Ferns hooker and Waikato captain Lauren Engebretsen. Another Black Fern, Regina Sheck, has been named at lock in the Waikato line-up but the Tuis won't be surprised if she starts in her more regular propping position.
Although the Tuis have yet to register a win in three rounds, McGregor said there has been improvement each week and there has been a positive buzz in the camp leading up to today's match.
His only doubtful starter is substitute forward Sandra Alainuuese who has a shoulder injury. Fellow loosie Natalie Paea returns from a spell with concussion and Eskview prop Tineka Thompson returns after missing last weekend's loss to Auckland because of a family bereavement.
Like Hawke's Bay, Waikato, are also winless and will be treating the game as a must win in their quest to avoid the wooden spoon.
