Viki Tofa will start at prop today ahead of Kamipeli Latu for the Meads Cup final against Horowhenua Kapiti in Levin.
Viki Tofa will start at prop today ahead of Kamipeli Latu for the Meads Cup final against Horowhenua Kapiti in Levin.
Steelform Wanganui will go with the defensive capabilities of prop Viki Tofa to start this afternoon's Meads Cup final playoff against Horowhenua-Kapiti at Levin Domain.
Kamipeli Latu will therefore take the reserve prop spot, while a final decision on the reserve midfield back is yet to be confirmed with Wanganuigiving Timoci Seruwalu as much opportunity as possible to be ruled fit, remaining bracketed with Ethan Robinson.
The hosts had initially named the same squad of 22 as won their semifinal against Buller, but have had to make one big change with the loss of their NZ Heartland XV representative and former Manawatu winger Willie Paia'aua.
Robert Millar comes off the bench to the wing while one-game capped Ethan Wade joins the team.
There is irony in Horowhenua Kapiti's reserve halfback Kane Tamou playing in his second consecutive Meads Cup final, as he was also on the bench for Wanganui last year in the Cooks Gardens matchup against Buller.
Reserve halfback Kane Tamou scoring for Wanganui against Horowhenua-Kapiti in 2015 at Levin Domain. The shoe is now on the other foot with Tamou playing for the home side.
Horowhenua Kapiti coach Chris Wilton said the focus this week was on recovery and ensuring players are feeling fresh heading into today.
"Playing in finals is all about attitude.
"Wanganui have finals experience and we won't be lacking motivation or attitude.
"To win an extraordinary game you have to play extraordinary rugby."
Should the scores be tied at fulltime, there will be 20 minutes of extra time in 10 minute halves.
If the game remains deadlocked, the winner is decided by who has scored the most tries in the game, and if this is still even, then it comes down to who won the previous clash between the sides.
Under that scenario, Horowhenua-Kapiti will claim their first Mitre 10 Heartland silverware as they were victorious 15-8 over Wanganui on October 7.
The referee from that game will also adjudicate today's final - Waikato's Michael Winter. Buses from sponsors and supporters will be making the 75 minute trip to Levin and Wanganui coach Jason Caskey is hoping for as many "Butcher's Boys's" fans as possible to make themselves known amongst their neighbours.
Levin is the shortest distance to travel for any Wanganui away game.
"It would be disappointing if we don't get a good turnout," Caskey said.
"The public are quick to put the boot in, if warranted. It would be nice to be supported, if warranted."
