Rugby: Eight newcomers in squad

Steelform Wanganui coach Jason Caskey and the selectors have made their final trim for the start of the 2014 Pink Batts Heartland championship next week, which will include eight newcomers to local first-class rugby.

After the 7-7 draw with Manawatu B in the final preseason match on Wednesday night, the 26-man squad retains most of the veteran local forward pack, with just loose forward Malakai Volau dropping back to join the Wanganui Development team.

In the backs, winger Samu Kubunavanua, centre Kameli Kuruyabaki, winger Sailosi Naqiso and halfback Nick Tipling also make way for some new faces.

Among the newcomers, winger Jaye Flaws made it through despite not featuring in either of the preseason games, joining his Taihape teammate in fullback Dane Whale, who will look to follow 100-game capped Kerry Whale into national provincial honours.

The other new Wanganui Heartland backs are halfback William Short, winger Clive Stowers, and Taranaki import Josh Hamilton.

Despite injury keeping him out of both matches, Manawatu import Tevita Taufu'i remains with Auckland's Rhema Sagote in the midfield.

Props Kamipeli Latu and Viki Tofa, along with lock John Laurie, are the forwards looking to make their Heartland debuts.

It will be a tough first-up assignment against South Canterbury in Timaru on August 16.

The 2014 Steelform Wanganui Heartland team is:

Backs - Fullbacks: Ace Malo (Kaierau), Dane Whale (Taihape); Wingers: Simon Dibben (Marist), Jaye Flaws (Taihape), Clive Stowers (Pirates); Midfield: Tautahi Rawiri (Ruapehu), Rhema Sagote (Auckland), Tevita Taufu'i (Manawatu); First Fives: Josh Hamilton (Taranaki), Zyon Hekenui (Ruapehu); Halfbacks: Lindsay Horrocks (Border), William Short (Ruapehu).

Forwards - No 8: Tremaine Gilbert (Taihape); Flankers: Andrew Evans (Ruapehu), Peter Rowe (Ruapehu), Darren Munro (Kaierau), Faalafi Vave (Pirates); Locks: John Laurie (Border), Sam Madams (Border), Sonny Woodmass (Ruapehu); Props: Kamipeli Latu (Border), Shaun McDonough (Ruapehu), Viki Tofa (Marist), Lasa Ulukuta (Pirates); Hookers: Cole Baldwin (Border), Roman Tutauha (Ruapehu).