No Guildford, Clare to start

Dane Whale returns to first five today for Wanganui.

Rearranging the forward pack to give a couple of the bench players an opportunity and the return of their former Super Rugby playmaker are the key changes to Steelform Wanganui's lineup for their final preseason match with Wairarapa Bush today at Spriggens Park.

After all the fun speculation, former All Black Zac Guildford will not be in the visiting lineup, with team regulars Nick Olson and Corey McFadzean filling the winger spots.

Wairarapa Bush bring an impressive loose-forward combination with the team captained by flanker Eddie Cranston, while NZ Heartland representative James Goodger is to be respected.

The very experienced Tim Priest will again run the cutter.

Wanganui have lost their new Irish first-five Steve Crosbie, who injured his ankle at Thursday's training, with Dane Whale regaining the No10 jersey.

In better news, former Highlander Craig Clare rejoins the starting lineup for his first game since being hurt in the win over Taranaki Development three weeks ago.

The forwards have been rearranged with front row incumbents Tietie Tuimauga and Roman Tutauha moving to bench, while newcomer Hamish Mellow switches from tighthead to loosehead prop and veteran Cole Baldwin is the starting rake.

Tremaine Gilbert continues his comeback by starting at blindside flanker, with Renato Tikoisolomone moving back to No8 while Malakai Volau goes to the bench.

Campbell Hart stays at lock and is joined by the returning Gavin Thornbury, with Sam Madams on the bench due to niggling injury.

Kickoff is 2.30pm, following the curtain raiser of the Wanganui Toyota Development XV meeting the Horowhenua-Kapiti Development XV at 1pm.

The teams are:

Wanganui
1. Hamish Mellow; 2. Cole Baldwin; 3. Viki Tofa; 4. Campbell Hart; 5. Gavin Thornbury; 6. Tremaine Gilbert; 7. Peter Rowe (c); 8. Renato Tikoisolomone; 9. Lindsay Horrocks; 10. Dane Whale; 11. Michael Nabuliwaqa; 12. Kameli Kuruyabaki; 13. Craig Clare; 14. Simon Dibben; 15. Te Rangatira Waitokia. Reserves - Forwards: 16. Jack Yarell; 17. Tietie Tuimauga; 18. Roman Tutauha; 19. Sam Madams; 20. Malakai Volau. Backs: 21. Kane Tamou; 22. Ace Malo; 23. Cameron Crowley.

Wairarapa Bush
1. Stu McLeod; 2. Richard Puddy; 3. Viake Potoru; 4. Andrew McLean; 5. Andrew Smith; 6. James Goodger; 7. Eddie Cranston (c); 8. Brendan Campbell; 9. John Ika; 10. Tim Priest; 11. Corey McFadzean; 12. Andy Humberstone; 13. Cameron Hayton; 14. Nick Olson; 15. Glen Walters. Reserves - 16. Abe Haira; 17. Nick Hohepa; 18. Jacko Hull; 19. Lachie McFadzean; 20. Blake Knight; 21. Liam Devine; 22. Sam Gammie; 23. Inia Katia; 24. Mana Ngaru; 25. Pene Rododuguni.