Sevens side in good shape for comp

SEVENS STYLE: While he is officially an import player, Dane Whale is no stranger to Wanganui colours.PHOTO/FILE

THE Whanganui sevens representative side, which has a real chance of qualifying for the Bayleys National Sevens in Rotorua, has been named for tomorrow's Central Region tournament in Levin.

Under coach Tom Wells, the squad is on a real high after their success in Palmerston North in their final warm-up games last Saturday.

Whanganui defeated the wider Manawatu sevens squad twice - 19-5 and 17-5 - while also beating a Manawatu Fijians team 27-0 in between.

"The first game, I wouldn't say we won comfortably, but we definitely had the rub of the green," said Wells.

"The second game, the guys felt, they were definitely putting on their top team.

"I'm pretty happy with the day. Defended very well against a quality Manawatu side."

Eleven of the players from last weekend's squad will play in Levin, joined by veteran Tremaine Gilbert, who was unavailable.

Ben Whale, although a local product like brother Dane Whale and Marton's Tyler Rogers-Holden, played club rugby elsewhere this year and so misses the final 12 as the team is allowed only two imports.

Ben Whale will act as assistant coach in Levin.

Rogers-Holden, after a season of playing Manawatu club rugby, was in such good form he would have been a shoe-in for that province's team, Wells said.

Wells said the final team was basically the most committed players over the past six weeks.

Border's Bobo Ulukuta was initially not expected to be available after the Whanganui club sevens in November, but has committed to the squad.

As expected, the team contains a strong Ngamatapouri presence in new captain Isireli Baleitavuki, Timoci Serawalu, Francis Vakadranu and Samu Kubunavanua.

Wells said Baleitavuki is vocal on the field and has plenty of sevens experience both here and in Wellington.

Horowhenua-Kapiti, who will host the Central sevens, were also supposed to play in Palmerston North but withdrew, which Wells felt was a precaution to protect their squad from any injuries, which he chose to risk to give his team more game time together.

For the Central tournament, there is no East Coast team this year, reducing the field to eight teams in two pools of four.

Whanganui have been seeded eighth and join Wellington, Horowhenua-Kapiti and Wairarapa Bush in Pool A.

Pool B is Taranaki, Manawatu, Hawke's Bay and Poverty Bay.

The top two teams will advance to the semifinals, and qualify for the nationals in Rotorua, as will the team which wins the playoff for fifth.

Wells feels Pool B is the tougher group.

"[Seeding] was based on last year. We got ranked eighth which I think has worked in our favour.

"We lacked pace last year, got a bit more pace now. More x-factor."

Whanganui will play Horowhenua Kapiti first up at 10.40am, then Wairarapa Bush at 11.40am, followed by Wellington at 1pm.

The semifinals start at 3pm.