There are two main talking points in the Wairarapa-Bush team named to start their crucial Heartland championship rugby match with Horowhenua-Kapiti at Levin tomorrow.
Head coach Mark Rutene and assistant Paddy Gough have decided to go with Tom Fleming ahead of Brandon Young at lock and Michael Te Whare at second-five ahead of Titapu Pairama-Lewington.
Fleming has been one of the success stories for Wairarapa-Bush this season but has been used mainly as a flanker or No8. However, he is no stranger to lock so having him partner the always reliable Andrew McLean in the middle row could hardly be termed a surprise, even if it is bad luck for the hard-working Young who has hardly put a foot wrong.
Te Whare has spent most of the Heartland campaign on the reserve bench, constantly making a useful impact whenever he has joined the fray.
There was a noticeable lack of accuracy in midfield on attack and defence in the disappointing 28-21 loss to North Otago last weekend and Te Whare's selection suggests Rutene and Gough see him as the best bet to work the oracle in that regard.
Also included in the Wairarapa-Bush starting line-up is wing Cameron Hayton although the calf injury that has caused him to leave the field early in the last two Heartland games is still troubling him. Rutene concedes his prospects of taking the field are still no better than 50-50 and maybe even a little worse than that.
"We're hopeful of him being there but we are not counting on it ... a lot will depend on what happens over the next 48 hours," Rutene said yesterday.
If Hayton does not play, the likelihood is that Inia Katia, who has been named to start at halfback after a sparkling second half effort against North Otago, will move to the wing and Matt O'Connor will be in the No 9 jersey.
The form book clearly says Wairarapa-Bush should have little trouble winning tomorrow's match and qualify for the Meads Cup semifinals at the same time but, with Horowhenua-Kapiti playing their last game of the season in front of their home crowd, Rutene is anticipating them coming out all guns blazing.
"We are under no illusions about how difficult they will be, they are going throw everything at us right from the word go."
With that in mind, much of the Wairarapa-Bush preparation this week has revolved around enhancing the defensive structures which were so brittle all over the park against North Otago and Rutene and Gough have also been stressing the importance of playing the game at the right end of the field.
"The chances of scoring points are a lot better if you are playing deep in the opposition half and that's where we would like to spend the majority of the game," Rutene said.
The Wairarapa-Bush starting line-up with Cameron Hayton included is: Nick Olson; Nathan Hunt, Jessie McGilvary, Michael Te Whare, Cameron Hayton; Glen Walters; Inia Katia; Jim Temo; James Goodger, Andrew McLean, Tom Fleming, Johan van Vliet; Kurt Simmonds, Richard Puddy, Wilba Davies. Reserves: Matt O'Connor, Byron Karaitiana, Titapu Pairama-Lewington, Jamie Hunt, Jonathan Fuimaono, Brandon Young, Johnie McFadzean.