Impressive win allows coaches some leeway

Changes are likely to be made to the Wairarapa-Bush starting line-up for their representative rugby match with Horowhenua-Kapiti at Memorial Park, Masterton, on Saturday

Head coach Mark Rutene and assistant Paddy Gough were understandably impressed with the 46-14 win secured over Lochore Cup holders Poverty Bay last weekend but are mindful this will be the last hit-out before the Heartland championship.

Chances are they will aim to give valuable match time to the Wellington-based players who were not available for the Poverty Bay game - prop Jon Fuimaono, back rower Tom Fleming and midfield back Titapu Pairama-Lewington.

The knee injury which caused lock Brandon Young to limp from the field against Poverty Bay might also mean Lachie McFadzean will join Andrew McLean in the middle row and there is the possibility that flanker James Goodger could be sidelined too.

Goodger left the field injured on Saturday and while Rutene is "pretty optimistic" he will be fit to play, his importance to the Heartland campaign is such that he is unlikely to be risked if there is even the slightest doubt.

Nothing pleased Rutene more about the big win over Poverty Bay than the intensity of the Wairarapa-Bush performance.

"We wanted to get stuck in from the word go and keep the pressure on all the way though, and we managed to do that.

"There are still things to work on but it was very encouraging ... as much as we could expect.".

As to the "work-ons" Rutene said the lineout play was not always as efficient as it needed to be and there were at least three occasions where Poverty Bay kickoffs were bumbled and possession turned over. And while the option-taking of the backs was generally spot on there was still room for improvement there as well.

"We have to keep our feet on the ground, it was a good win but we have to show we can come up with that sort of effort week after week," Rutene said.