Wanganui red hot

Pete Russell and his Wairarapa Bush boys must be laughing. Here they are, seven wins out of seven ? and they walk into Wanganui as a huge TAB underdog for today's Meads Cup competition table-topping decider against Wanganui.
Last Saturday's big-scoring 49-37 win by Wanganui over North Otago has been the reason, without a doubt.
But whether everyone agrees that Wai Bush should be a rank outsider is questionable. Wai Bush has had a bit of fun with Wanganui teams in recent years, and there seems to be an air of growing confidence about the way the team from south of here is playing. And they have beaten North Otago as well.
Clearly the TAB has worked on the assumption that anyone beating Wanganui is probably going to have to score 30-plus points on a fine day to do it ? and the question is, can Wairarapa Bush achieve this?
But those odds indicate Wanganui should win by 20-plus and that might be very difficult.
Both teams have ample motivation to hit 100 percent plus effort this afternoon. If Wairarapa Bush loses without scoring a point, and North Otago gets five against Horowhenua Kapiti, then Wairarapa Bush gets to travel to Oamaru for the semi-final. And that would be awkward.
If Wanganui loses, Wairarapa Bush becomes top qualifier, and Wanganui loses its right to host a final, if it makes it ? unless the fourth-place qualifier shocks Wai Bush in the semi.
Wanganui coach Milton Haig knows things could go awry with a substandard effort today:
"The guys know themselves that we need to string good performances together and that a good effort today will set us up to play the fourth qualifier in the semi-final ? that's no disrespect to that team, but the stats will tell you that there are three teams in this competition, and the fourth is a wee way back.
"The reality is that you will set yourself up for the easier semi-final if you qualify top ? that's there for everybody to see. That's the prize that's up for grabs today." Haig disagrees with the TAB odds.
"That's the TAB odds ? we're certainly not looking at it that way. Wairarapa has yet to lose and we have the utmost respect for them. They've got a very good coaching unit, some experienced players, and they've got backs who move very well.
"I don't read anything into the TAB odds, and neither do the players."
Wanganui has scored 41 tries against Wai Bush's 22, but impetus is everything, and Wai Bush's scoring improvement is a warning. They have two big, fast wingers in Francis Seumanatafa and Junior Togia, an attacking fullback in Peatu Lafaele, and experience in midfield.
The pack is always a tough unit, with a tall lineout. Wanganui's own motivation, for a start, should be to tidy up last week's shabby defensive and lineout start. That would lay the base for the hoped-for win.
Note: Decisions on doubtful players Andrew Slight (viral infection) and Matt Gilbert (groin problem) will be made today. But at this stage it looks likely Paul Belliss will replace Slight at lock.