There should be something for everyone in the two curtain-raisers for Steelform Wanganui's final Pink Batts Heartland Championship game against Wairarapa Bush at Cooks Gardens this afternoon.
Attacking rugby will hopefully be the order of the day when Wanganui Samoans meet Whanganui Maori at 12.15pm. WRFU spokesman Paul Kenny said the Samoans are predominantly Marton players, with a few from Kaierau and Pirates.
Coached by Mike Lama, they will have a bit of confidence, having trained together before the match, which will be two 30-minute halves.
However the Maori, coached and captained by former NZ Heartland player Steelie Koro, has a strong base of Tech, Ratana, and Border players, as well as other clubs.
"Looks like it's going to be quite a good fixture," said Kenny.
Both teams have a sprinkling of former Wanganui Heartland players, as well as members of this season's successful Wanganui Development XV.
The 1.30pm clash between the Wanganui Bohemian and Millhillians Golden Oldies from Masterton is likely to provide more entertainment.
Kenny, who is on the bench for the Bohemians, said Millhillians is a Masterton Marist-based team, put together by Wairarapa Bush union chief executive Tony Hargood, who will also play.
"Our one, they've just put a few of the old heads together," said Kenny. The match will be two 22-minute halves.
Teams:
Whanganui Maori
Conrad Tui (Marist), Junior Tume (Pirates), Kapene Paki (Ratana), Joshua Metekingi (Pirates), Dale Pene (Marist), Josh Kata (Tech), Marius Joseph (Ratana), Manu Herring (Marist), Kane Tamou (Ratana), Steelie Koro (Tech), Tre Reweti (Tech), David Chadwick (Tech), Mohi Waihi (Counties), Nathan Davis (Border), Rodney Tutahione (Border).
Reserves: Vaan Rauhina/Isaac Fonotoe (Ratana), Shaq Reweti (Tech), AJ Vaetoru (Tech), Judd Brown (Border), Paora Heremia (Ratana), Luke Check Tech), one TBN.
Wanganui Samoa
Luka Scontan (Kaierau), Leitupo Falelua (Marton), David Lemalu (Marton), Papaofo Vaiao (Kaierau), Afano Kuita (Marton), Faafetai Siona (Kaierau), Dan Ete (Marton), Sanele Ah Chookoon (Pirates), John Maika (Marton), Areta Lama (Kaierau), Enelani Taito (Pirates), Steve Soolefai (Tech), Fiatau Faalili (Kaierau), Iosefa Leiataua (Marton), Malo Pepe (Marton).
Reserves: Fiaalli Su'a (Marton), Iupeli Malo (Marton), Peter Mavaega (Marton), Ian Filo (Tech), Masaga Peni (Marton), Kolio Taliatu (Marton), Maleko Su'a (Marton), Samuelu Samuelu (Marton).
Wanganui Bohemians
Steve Allwright, Mark Ashworth, Wayne Thomson, Barry Wilson, Warren Johnson, Darryle Dowman, Brian Papworth, Bryan Christie, Terry Te Weri, Ron Te Huna, Mark Cosford, Jason Connors, Jason Haviti, Jason Nahona, Robbie Martin.
Reserves: Bruce Galpin, Steve Larsen, Steve Hagley, Kelvin Kendrich, Dale Cobb, Paul Kenny.
Millhillians Golden Oldies
Kevin Tunnel, Russell Morgan, Shane Blumental, Geoff Buchannan, Neil Morrison, Frine Govenor, Shane Haskell, Tony Hargood, Richie Robinson, Trevor Bond, Robbie Riment, John Morrison, Ross Bonett, Chris Geofreys, Andrew Foote.
Reserves: Brent Carr, Dean Goodin, Cerol Heverley, Geoff Fry, John Gibb.