Rugby: Heartland XV make one change for Australian Barbarians

Lidsay Horrocks. Photo / File.

There is just one change to the national Heartland XV ahead of tonight's final match of their internal tour against the Australian Barbarians.

Heartland XV head coach Grant Keenan and his assistant Mutu Ngarimu have Thames Valley loose forward Hayden Anderson starting at No 6 for Fraser Hammond who is out injured with a broken hand.

Despite the disappointing and narrow 38-32 loss to the Australian Barbarians in their first match on Tuesday in Levin, Keenan said the team knew what they needed to do for their last encounter.

"That was a pretty tough one to wear, it was a great game, but we're pretty disappointed because we know we could have taken that.

"It's been a great campaign, and we've had some very entertaining footy to watch. We would love to finish on a high with a win tonight," he said.

"We have a few of the Wanganui boys in this team, so we're hoping the locals turn out in force to cheer them on."

One the locals will be watching with interest is teenaged first five Stephen Perofeta, who scored 17 points on Tuesday to go with his 27 against New Zealand Marist last weekend.

The Heartland XV were down 19-17 at halftime on Tuesday against the Australians, for whom Manawatu Turbos No 10 Isaac Thompson was prominent. They rallied to lead 32-19 before a later flurry by the tourists.

No 8 Bryn Hudson, halfback Lindsay Horrocks and wing Lance Easton stood out, along with Perofeta.

Heartland XV squad v Australian Barbarians at Cooks Gardens, Whanganui, 6pm tonight
Mike Tambour, James Hemara, TK Moeke, Lemi Masoe, Lance Easton, Stephen Perofeta, Lindsay Horrocks, Bryn Hudson, Peter Rowe (c), Hayden Anderson, Eric Duff, Adaam Ross, Timaru Tafa, Cole Baldwin, Matt Fetu; Reserves: Jackson Donlan, Ralph Darling, Kurt Simmonds, James Goodger, Craig Moore, Zayn Tipping, Tim Priest, Moss Doran