Rugby: Kerr for Marlborough

Second division

Marlborough, seeking precious points on the road, have added former Canterbury Crusaders, Chiefs and Blues Super 12 winger James Kerr to their squad for the trip to Manawatu today.

Kerr trained with Marlborough on Thursday night and although he is not in the starting XV, he will get game time off the bench.

Marlborough beat Manawatu in Blenheim last year but the visitors will be a tough proposition on their home patch, especially with victories over Mid-Canterbury (38-18) and Thames Valley (23-15) under their belts.

"They have got good mobile forwards. We'll have to match them up front, which I think we will," Marlborough coach Kieran Keane said.

Wanganui are seeking their first win of the campaign when they host Thames Valley.

Bernie Kelly's inexperienced side have bounced back after their 86-3 Ranfurly Shield mauling by Waikato to secure bonus points off BoP and King Country, both semifinalists last year.

Discipline was their Achilles heel last week at Te Kuiti where seven Lee Peina penalties negated Wanganui's four tries in their 27-28 loss.

King Country travel to Ashburton to confront winless Mid Canterbury.

King Country assistant coach Glynn Meads expected a typically rugged South Island forward display.

- NZPA