Teams share similarities

Wanganui first-five Tom Wells (left) and ball-carrying centre Jason Temara are facing Buller players with similar circumstances to themselves today in Westport. PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY 240813WCBRCRUGBY12

The Electro Buller team that are facing Steelform Wanganui in their crucial Pink Batts Heartland Championship game in Westport this afternoon bear a lot of similarities to their visitors.

Both teams are being run by first fives who have just debuted in those positions for their province, as Tom Wells will be facing Matthew Golding, the 26-year-old from the White Star club.

It is the battle of the imports at centre as Wanganui's Jason Temara from Manawatu, who needs his team to give him more chances to run at close range to the tryline, will be squaring off with Mike Schmidt-Lealava'a from Tasman.

Also like Wanganui, the forward pack is where Buller bring the weight of their regular experience, with only Tasman import lock Reyne Vovavola being new to their scene.

Meanwhile, with an astonishing 146 caps for his province, flanker Luke Brownlee's tally dwarfs all the Wanganui players' longevity, with the closest being captain Peter Rowe (83 games).

Buller are jointly captained by veteran prop Philip Beveridge (124 games) and halfback Andrew Stephens (51).

Like Wanganui, and as is the norm, Buller have gone with a reserve bench consisting of four forwards and three backs.

The team sheet provided by the Buller Rugby Union said today's match would kick off at the earlier time of 2pm.

Also, correcting yesterday's story, the score when Wanganui played Buller in Westport was 13-7 to Wanganui in 2009.

Buller to play Wanganui:William Saukuru, Mitieli Kaloudigibeci, Mike Schmidt-Lealavaa, Penijamini Nabainivalu, Iliesa Ravudra, Matthew Golding, Andrew Stephens, Lee Nelmes, Luke Brownlee, Blair McIlroy, Reyne Vovavola, Isei Lewaqai, Philip Beveridge, Iliasa Namua, Logan Mundy. Reserves Backs: Thor Manawatu, Jesse Elley, Scott Neighbours. Forwards: Glen Duncan, Jareth McKay, Paul Clarkson, Gene Simmiss.