Rugby: Brothers set to fulfil goal

Jack Whetton is looking forward to his second ITM Cup outing tomorrow with his older brother Will at his side - fulfilling a long held goal to play representative rugby together.

Will was the first to head north and play for Mid Northern and the Taniwha, and brought his younger brother with him.

"Playing together has always been the goal, we've played senior club rugby together and now we're playing at the ITM Cup level - he's got a lot of competition (for places) up here but he's training hard - and I can't wait until we get on the field together," Jack said.

The 20-year-old lock had his Northland debut ahead of his older brother but Will, a blindside flanker or number-eight, has his chance this week off the bench.

The brothers have serious rugby pedigree with their father Gary and uncle, Alan, both former All Blacks but Jack said that is now history and they are themselves on the pitch.

"We've grown up with the comparisons and the attention and you learn to deal with it at a young age, so now it doesn't phase me at all - me and Will are both our own people and while we have characteristics like our father, we do things differently," he said.

Jack was one of the success stories in the opening match in Dunedin last weekend but he is mature enough to realise it is early days yet. "I know I've got a lot to work on but I'm pretty happy with how I went out there, even though I felt I was pretty lucky to get a try," he said.

Playing in front of the staunch crowd at Waikato Stadium may take a bit of adjusting to - particularly with the Chiefs winning the Super 15 and Waikato winning their opening match last week.

"The main difference for me was the atmosphere. I was a little bit nervous but I tried not to let it go to my head and went out with the attitude of doing my best and doing my own job.

"I was disappointed we didn't get away with a win but I was definitely pleased with how I played," he said.

The high-flying Waikato will test the Taniwha's defensive capabilities.

"We've got to communicate better in defence - in particular out wide where we got skinned a bit for numbers - we scored four tries so our attack isn't a problem but we still need to improve our defence to shut down Waikato, who have guys like Kerr-Barlow, who can create something out of nothing," Jack said.

English sevens star Dan Caprice will be another welcome addition to the side to play Waikato. The speciality winger was injured for the Otago match and Tui Faasisila, who had a less than successful start to his representative career, moves to the bench.

"He had a bit of a shocker against Otago but that can happen, he's a good player and just needs to get back out there and get back on that horse," coach Adriaan Ferris said.

Ross Wright, Cam Goodhue and Matt Wright are all injured, with Eddie Paea unavailable.

Northland: 1 Matt Wallis, 2 David Hall, 3 Scott Vessey/Justin Davies, 4 Jack Whetton, 5 Bryce Williams, 6 Dan Faleafa, 7 Dan Prior, 8 Hale T-Pole, 9 Samisoni Fisilau, 10 Ash Moeke, 11 Mateo Malupo, 12 Derek Carpenter, 13 Rene Ranger, 14 Dan Caprice, 15 Orene Ai'i/ Faatoina Autagavaia, 16 Tone Kopelani, 17 Justin Davies/TBC, 18 Will Whetton, 19 Jack Ram, 20 Ryan Caine, 21 Faatoina Autagavaia/TBC, 22 Tui Faasisila.