As it happened it was the ideal situation for the diminutive Fijian to strut his stuff. Wairarapa-Bush might have led 10-6 at the break but that first 40 minutes was much more notable for the ineptness of their play than anything else. Simple passing and handling errors were numerous and the kicking, both for touch and tactically, was woeful. It was just fortunate for the home team that West Coast were about as bad as them as on any other day they would probably have been going to halftime well behind on the scoreboard.
The difference Katia made to the second half effort was immense, especially in the last half-hour when Wairarapa-Bush tallied up 22 unanswered points.
There have been games in the past where he has been guilty of trying too much on his own but he was the ideal team player on this occasion, constantly egging his forwards on, passing swiftly and accurately and kicking into space. And there was still time for the odd sniping run or two as well.
That Katia should be rewarded with a starting spot tomorrow was therefore no surprise but he won't want to rest on his laurels. Original intentions were for Aporo to be in the reserves, but he has withdrawn through a sore shoulder and Sio will be there instead. No doubt he will be aiming to make every post a winner whenever he is introduced to the action.
Katia is actually one of six players in tomorrow's starting line-up who came off the reserves bench last weekend.
Also promoted have been prop Campbell Lawrence, hooker Richard Puddy, loosie Johnie McFadzean, second-five Byron Karaitiana and wing Cameron Hayton.
They will also need to replicate the form they showed then against a Mid-Canterbury side that has already secured victories over Poverty Bay and Horowhenua-Kapiti.
McFadzean is, as expected, the replacement for the injured James Goodger on the flank and those are big boots to fill. Goodger has been absolutely outstanding all season and his athleticism will obviously be missed but McFadzean is a tradesman whose commitment can never be questioned. His inclusion in the starting XV sees Wairarapa-Bush B player Sam Marshall-Wilson brought into the reserves and his form for the Bs and for Bush Sports on the club scene suggests he is ready to make an impact at a higher level as well.
That Mid-Canterbury will be a tougher proposition than West Coast virtually goes without saying.
Spearheaded by former Manawatu Turbos player Grant Polson they have a rugged pack with a bit of size about them and their backline is reputed to be as good as they have had for several years, especially in the midfield.
Throw in the home advantage and they will be a handful for sure.
The Wairarapa-Bush team for tomorrow is:
Nick Olson; Cameron Hayton, Titapu Pairama-Lewington, Byron Karaitiana, Paul Tikomainavalu; Glen Walters; Inia Katia; Nathan Iro; Johnie McFadzean, Clark Butcher, Lachie McFadzean, Johan van Vliet; Campbell Lawrence, Richard Puddy, Finnbarr Kerr-Newell. Reserves: Joseph Sio, Tapaga Isaac, Nathan Hunt, Jamie Hunt, Jonathon Fuimaono, Wiremu Grace, Sam Marshall-Wilson.
A live commentary of the Ashburton match, which starts at 1pm, will be provided by Radio Eketahuna 2ZE on 106.5FM.
On the home front the big attraction will be the Play for Grace fundraiser at the Carterton Rugby Club's grounds, starting at 2.30pm. It will feature a Parliamentary side against an invitation XV and there will be some well-known names in action ... Marty Berry, Joe Harwood, Dillon Higgison, James Bruce, Dave Drummond, Steve Wilkinson, Tom Dixon, and Mike Wakefield. WBRFU board member Catherine Rossister-Stead will carry the female flag.
All funds from the game, and the auction that follows it, will go to the care and rehabilitation of 11-year-old Carterton girl Grace Yeats who has a rare brain disease.
