Rugby: Wanganui absentees force major rethink over starting XV

Injury and unavailability has seen a re-jig of the starting line-up for Steelform Wanganui's preseason hit out with King Country in Turangi this afternoon.

Halfback William Short has not recovered from the shoulder injury he suffered in McCarthy Ruapehu's loss to Integrity Motors Pirates in last weekend's Tasman Tanning Premier club final, while winger Simon Dibben is also out with injury.

New Manawatu import Tevita Taufui has a prior engagement, while Taranaki arrival Josh Hamilton is not yet available and winger Jaye Flaws will also miss the game.

Either Tautahi Rawiri or Kameli Kuruyabaki will likely start at centre for Taufui.

Kick-off is at 2pm.

The Wanganui Development rugby will also play King Country Development at the Turangi Domain at noon.

Wanganui team

1. Kamipeli Latu; 2. Cole Baldwin; 3. Shaun McDonough; 4. Sonny Woodmass; 5. Sam Madams; 6. Peter Rowe; 7. Darren Munro; 8. Tremaine Gilbert; 9. Lindsay Horrocks; 10. Zyon Hekenui; 11. Samu Kubunavanua; 12. Rhema Sagote; 13. Tautahi Rawiri or Kameli Kuruyabaki; 14. Clive Stowers; 15. Ace Malo. Reserves: 16. Roman Tutauha; 17. Viki Tofa; 18. Lasa Ulukuta; 19. Andrew Evans; 20. Nick Tipling; 21.Tautahi Rawiri or Kameli Kuruyabaki; 22. Dane Whale; 23. Meni Faasau; 24. John Laurie; 25. Faalafi Vave; 26. Malakai Volau.
Wanganui Development team

Aaron Paranihi (Ratana), Michael Nabuliwara (Utiku OB), Sailosi Naqiso (Border), Semi Radradra (Utiku OB), Fiatau Faalili (Kaierau), Areta Lama (Kaierau), Kane Tamou (Ratana), Kieran Hussey (Border), Brad Matthews (Pirates), Jack Hodges (Border), Josh Lane (Kaierau), Sikeli Ulukuta (Border), Kapene Paki and Vaan Rauhina (Ratana), Sam Stewart (Marist). Reserves: Lake Ah Chong and Eric Sagapolutele (Marton), Manu Herring and Dale Pene (Marist), Manulua Lafi (Pirates), Te Rau Wirihana (Kaierau), Neihana Parkes (Tech).