By DAVID OGILVIE david.ogilvie@wanganuichronicle.co.nz
WITH HARDWORKING Dean Barr needing a rest because of a groin strain, veteran Nemia Adrole steps into the locking position for Wanganui in tomorrow's Heartland Championship rugby match against South Canterbury.
Adrole, a 33-match Wanganui veteran from 2003 onwards, has plenty of experience in the spot, handles his
own lineout throws well, and as coach Milton Haig says, "gives us another alternative in defence, where they've got a couple of big runners."
The uncompromising Adrole revels in such encounters. The only other change from the previous win over Poverty Bay saw Pehira Huwyler take over the centre role again from Logan Vaughan, with the New Zealand Army man again on a course.
Vaughan is, however, available for future away matches. Back coach Guy Lennox expects the heavily built Huwyler to excel on the expected hard ground at Timaru. The combination of the inside backs, a problem last Saturday, was given extra attention at last night's training session.
Fullback Roko Bativagone retained his spot after an interesting, but flawed, performance against Poverty Bay. Steelform Wanganui requires the win to set itself up for a final round battle against unbeaten North Otago at Cooks Gardens next week, with the winner of that gaining two home matches in the next round.
A loss would make Wanganui extremely vulnerable to missing out on the Meads Cup pool and finishing-up in the bottom division.
Haig has no doubts, though. He says Wanganui will win both matches and qualify for the home advantages.
Teams named for tomorrow's match in Timaru: Steelform Wanganui: Roko Bativagone, Brendon Bartley, Pehira Huwyler, Steelie Koro, Juan Visser, Leon Mason, Denning Tyrell (capt), Matt Gilbert, Peter Rowe, David Gower, John Smyth, Nemai Adrole, Sheldon O'Hagan, Shane Ratima, Mike Thompson. Subs: Cole Baldwin, Justin lock, Dean Barr, Fraser Hammond; Ricky Alabaster, Mitierli Dravo, Asaeli Tikoirotuma.
South Canterbury: Garth Hand, Shane Spiers, Koni Uili, Steve Kotua, Isaac Tuala, Mark Tutton, Burt Willson, Roydyn Palmer, Richard Phiskie, Tony Ward (captain), Tui Tauelangi, James Cullimore, Sione Tuliakiono, Foi Saena, Matt Fetu. Subs: Fainga'a Savieti, Angus Lang, Johnie McFadzen, Star Tuliakiono, Darren O'Leary, Amosa Anglem.
