Meafiu may be fit for tomorrow's game

RUGBY: The finest sight for Wanganui rugby supporters at Cooks Gardens last night was the sight of key centre Jerry Meafou taking, at least, some part in an excellent training run.
The strong centre still has to pass a fitness test tomorrow morning, but coach Milton Haig was enthused that he had a chance of playing against Counties-Manukau ? a side which boasts a midfield grouping of former All Black Eroni Clarke, Chiefs big man Niva Ta'auso and the experienced Mark Lawson ? for tomorrow's second division match.
The Counties team list does have Ta'auso on the subs bench at present, with the other two to start, but all three are big, strong and powerful.
Meafou has been bracketed with Jim Doolan in the starting line-up, with Darin Balcombe, at this stage, pushed out one to centre for Wanganui.
The other surprise is the rapid return of hooker Shane Ratima, who has recovered from his knee strain much quicker than anyone ? other than Ratima himself ? expected.
Ratima was always confident he would make this match, and he was proven right.
When Haig arrived at training last night, he did not believe Meafou was in contention.
"I'm happy with what I saw. He didn't run very much tonight because he's got almost another two days ? and they can make a big difference. The injury has come along a lot since Tuesday, so this will help him."
If he doesn't make it, Wanganui will field a very new backline formation, with Doolan-Balcombe and fullback Brendon Bartley.
"Jimmy's played enough at inside centre, and the same with Balcombe at centre," Haig said. There would be, though, a drop in available pace.
"It's just a matter of moving that combination from the first game against Manawatu out one each."
Ratima's return is another plus. "He's pretty motivated, and he never shirked off anything tonight. That's one way to tell whether they're ready or not, whether they shirk off contact."
Semesi Taulava ripped through his work again without apparent problems and his presence appears to have given the forward pack a boost.
The only minor hiccup to a good night was the ankle injury suffered by big Saiosa Tapa when he was double tackled. He's on the subs bench, and was there anyway, but as an impact player he will be missed if he doesn't make it.
Teams:
Wanganui: Brendon Bartley, Pati Fetuai'i, Darin Balcombe, Jerry Mafou/Jim Doolan, Che Barlow, Denning Tyrell, Lee Peina, Semesi Taulava, Peter Rowe, Andrew Evans, Brian McClearn, Filfili Samuella, Lance Devane, Shane Ratima, Mike Thompson (capt).Richard Te Huna, Sheldon O'Hagan, Andrew Slight, Sai tapa, Paul perez, Steelie Koro/Doolan, Darren Firmin.
Counties-Manukau: Koiata Koiato, Lelia Masaga, Eroni Clarke, Mark Lawson, Tevita Tuifua, Troy Nathon, Kevin Farrell (capt), Jeffrey Maka, Peri Stephens, James Maher, Andrew Van der Heijden, Tarres Chi'Tarr, Lee Lidgard, Grant Henson, James Carew. Subs: Mark Price, Vailhi Falou, Cole Mooney, Waka Setitaia, Kane Hancy, Niva Ta'auso, Tim Manawatu.