The saying "It's the putting right that counts" comes to mind when looking towards the Heartlands championship clash between Wairarapa Bush and East Coast at Memorial Park tomorrow.
The game had the "must win" tag on it at the start of the campaign, let alone before the loss the team suffered
at the hands of Poverty Bay last weekend but, if possible, it has now assumed even greater significance. Not only is the maximum of five championship points imperative if the team want to remain in contention for a Meads Cup place - a top three finish in Pool B is needed - but the manner in which any points gained is achieved will also be viewed with great interest.
Coach Kelvin Tantrum remains realistic and positive about the team's situation and prospects.
"We were all hurting after last weekend. Nobody, me included, is trying to sweep what happened under the carpet," he said, referring to Wairarapa-Bush's 60-6 record loss in Gisborne.
"But we have to accept that you come across teams that are better than you on the day and that happened. We know we missed tackles, we know that the floodgates opened for a while, but at the same time there were periods in the first half and later in the game when things were going well."
This was not Tantrum making excuses. He was addressing reality.
"It happens in all sports and at all levels. I watched Manchester United concede two injury time goals last weekend to snatch a draw from the jaws of victory. If it can happen to them, it can happen to us. It's what you try and do about it that matters most. We will be looking to bounce back in a big way come Saturday."
Tantrum emphasised there were no rifts in the camp, that the players retained self-belief and remained united and focused towards the two home games ahead.
"They're a positive bunch of boys who continue to knuckle down. We had a good debrief after last weekend and I was happy with the training on Tuesday."
Tantrum said consistency of effort right through the whole 80 minutes would also be on the list of reminders before his team take the field.
"We haven't managed to put it together for the full 80 yet. We went off the boil after the opening stages against Mid Canterbury," he said.
"Man for man, they were no better than us. We let them back in. Then we had a horror 10 to 15 minutes immediately after the break up in Gisborne when we just couldn't live with them. We'll be looking to put it right on the paddock against the Coast."
Tantrum is aware five points is the priority against an East Coast side who have yet to register a point this season in the Heartlands competition.
"We also need Poverty Bay to upset North Otago," he said.
The Wairarapa-Bush side shows some changes from last weekend, but Tantrum insists this is no knee-jerk reaction. "It's a horses for courses move really."
Junior Togia returns on the wing, Byron Karaitiana replaces the injured Cyrus Bakers in midfield, while Hemi Tupaea replaces Sam Mitchell in the No13 jersey. James Bruce returns at halfback, Tommy Sargent replaces Rupeni Tamani on the flank and Richard Puddy comes in at prop. Dan Griffin picked up an ankle injury last weekend and Tomasi Kedrabuka has been ill this week, but Tantrum is hopeful one of them will be fit enough to be reserve lock.
Run-on team: Kurt Simmonds, Joe Harwood, Richard Puddy, Brandon Young, Andrew McLean, Josh Tua-Davidson, Tommy Sargent, Mana Faraimo, James Bruce, Jeremy Te Huia, Byron Karaitiana, Hemi Tupaea, Junior Togia, Jesse McGilvary, Nick Olsen.
Meanwhile, the Wairarapa-Bush Supporters Club is running its Player of the Day competition, whereby supporters use a points system when rating the top three players during the Heartland series.
The player with the highest points tally at the end of the season wins a prize. Players need to attend the Supporters Club after each game to qualify for points and are encouraged to support the scheme.
Points awarded to date:
v Buller: Jeremy Te Huia 3, Jared Brock 2, Jess McGilvary 1.
v Mid Canterbury: Andrew McLean 3, Sam Mitchell 2, Api Matenga 1.
v Poverty Bay: Kurt Simmonds 3, Jesse McGilvary 2, Andrew McLean 1.
The saying "It's the putting right that counts" comes to mind when looking towards the Heartlands championship clash between Wairarapa Bush and East Coast at Memorial Park tomorrow.
The game had the "must win" tag on it at the start of the campaign, let alone before the loss the team suffered
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