The Wairarapa-Bush squad which played Wellington for the Ranfurly Shield last week will not necessarily be the same as that for the Heartland rugby championship later in the season. That's the word from coach Kelvin Tantrum, who said yesterday several new faces could possibly be included for the forthcoming "friendlies" againstNorth Otago Country, Poverty Bay and Horowhenua-Kapiti. "It's a whole new ball game again," Tantrum said. "Everyone has to earn their spot, there are no certainties right now." While delighted with the commitment shown by his side in their 90-19 loss to Wellington, Tantrum concedes there are areas of concern within the current line-up. "Yes, there definitely are positions where the depth of talent isn't as good as we would like and obviously we will be looking to improve that situation over the next few weeks," he said. Part of that process could well be the inclusion of players from outside the Wairarapa-Bush region. Three "imports" are allowed under the Heartland rules along with an "origin player", who developed his rugby skills in the Wairarapa-Bush but is now playing elsewhere. "We are talking to a few players who fit those criteria but we certainly haven't made any firm decisions," Tantrum said. The Wairarapa-Bush coach revealed too there are some players presently on the club scene who have yet to play for the union this season but who were now under careful scrutiny. Tantrum did not name names but it would surprise if the very much in-form Marist lock James Goodger was not among them, along with a couple of his clubmates who have recently returned from overseas, utility forward Corey Reid and halfback Api Matenga. The versatility of Pioneer back Joe Papaali should have him in the reckoning as well and another Pioneer player with a chance must be young front rower Ihe Namana, a bruising runner with a propensity for scoring tries. Martinborough has an up-and-coming front rower in Adam Marshall, Eketahuna a lively and constructive loose forward in Sully Alsop, Masterton Red Star another busy loosie in Chris Senior and Greytown an outside back with strong attacking qualities in Tavita Isaac ... to name just a few.
