Steelform face Bush battle without inspiring captain

Steelform Wanganui know they have the pace and the power to prosper in Masterton today, but it will be a nervous assignment without their inspirational captain on the field against Wairarapa-Bush.

In a big blow, captain and Wanganui centenarian Peter Rowe has been ruled out after aggravating the calf injury which has been bothering him for the last two weeks.

It is the first time Rowe has been sidelined for Wanganui through injury since 2013.

Rowe's grafting and tireless work ethic in the loose forwards will be missed on the artificial Memorial Park turf, especially as Wairarapa-Bush's best hope is to play tight, structured rugby to try and remove Wanganui's speed out wide from the equation.

In a forwards reshuffle, No 8 Malaki Volau will shift into the coveted No 7 jumper, while Bryn Hudson moves to the back of the scrum and Fraser Hammond goes to openside, with Sam Madams starting at lock.

Nonetheless, Rowe's absence offers up a great honour to veteran hooker Cole Baldwin.

In his 81st game for Wanganui, the 32-year-old will captain the team for the first time as their most experienced player.

The other good news is goal kicking centre Trinity Spooner-Neera will start the match despite his calf strain.

Wairarapa-Bush have also gone with basically the same line-up as defeated East Coast 45-5 last weekend.

The Wairarapa Bush team is

15. Corey McFadzean; 14. Nick Olson; 13. Viliami Hala; 12. Andy Humberstone; 11. Paul Tikomainavalu; 10. Tim Priest; 9. Cody Whittaker; 8. So'otala Fa'oso'o; 7. James Goodger; 6. Lachie McFadzean; 5. James Wall; 4. Brendan Campbell/Brock Price; 3. Kurt Simmonds; 2. Andrew Makalio; 1. Matt Kawana.

Reserves " Backs: Inia Katia, Tipene Haira/Matt Dalley, Cameron Hayton. Forwards: Kody Thompson, Jacko Hull, Johnie McFadzean, Kody Thompson.