AA Heartlands Lochore Cup Preview: Poverty Bay v South Canterbury
South Canterbury will need to be on top of its game this Saturday as it takes on a red-hot Poverty Bay team in the Lochore Cup final at Gisborne.
VENUE & TIME: More FM Rugby Park, Gisborne, Saturday October 20, 13.05 NZT.
LAST TIME: August 18, 2007 (Timaru) – South Canterbury 7-24 Poverty Bay.
WALKING WOUNDED: Since everyone reported fit after last week's standout effort, Paul Feeney had the easy task of naming exactly the same team for the final. Two of Poverty Bay's leading forwards, Josh Maynard and Sione Ngatu, will each play their 50th match for the union. South Canterbury is still battling with a long injury list but three players - Steve Kotua, Tony Ward and Roydon Palmer - who were in doubt during the week have passed fit.
FORM: Poverty Bay did a demolition job on Thames Valley last weekend, threatening the union record for highest score and biggest margin as it won 65-3 in a performance that Feeney labelled the best his team has given in his two years in charge. South Canterbury had a much harder task against West Coast and the match was not decided until late in the piece, when South Canterbury put on a couple of quick tries to finally put the rugged Coasters away. The two teams go into this match with neither having lost for a month, so both are in good shape.
WHO'S HOT: Poverty Bay was outstanding from 1 to 22 last week, with Scott Leighton grabbing the headlines in a record-breaking display. He scored 35 points, a union record for any match, and set a new mark by any player in a domestic playoff match. His goal-kicking was remarkable (11 from 11 in a strong, tricky wind) and his general play excellent. Murray Hewson worked hard in all aspects of the game, taking the ball up strongly and defending well, while Malakai Ravulo continued his fine form with another excellent game. Experienced Kahu Tamatea was at the top of his form and Jared McClutchie, who was powerful in midfield, also had a good match. However, every man in a red jersey could have been pleased with his effort and the team finished in fine style, posting 42 unanswered points after the break. South Canterbury also got a fine hand from its first-five, as Mark Tutton directed play efficiently and kicked his goals to keep his team's nose in front. Former flanker Star Tuliakiono showed good skills on the wing as he bagged a try and the energetic South Canterbury pack got stuck in to all areas of tight play throughout the afternoon. Both hookers, Fainga'a Savieti and Foi Saena, showed good pace as they scored tries. As was the case with Poverty Bay, South Canterbury prevailed through a team effort and every man played his part.
WE THINK: If Poverty Bay can find even half the form of last week, we think the home side will take this match in some style. After a disappointing start to the season Poverty Bay has come right in the last month and can field an experienced, classy lineup that should have too many guns for South Canterbury.
TEAMS:
Poverty Bay: 1 – Josh Maynard, 2 – Aaron Wise, 3 – Colin Hovell, 4 – Chris Bell, 5 – Murray Hewson, 6 – Sione Ngatu, 7 – Quentin King, 8 – Malakai Ravulo, 9 – Shane Leach, 10 – Scott Leighton (captain), 11 – Tim Gardner, 12 – Ian Logan, 13 – Jared McClutchie, 14 – James Warren, 15 – Kahu Tamatea.
Reserves: 16 – Andrew Cribb, 17 – Jamie Hutana, 18 – Willie Hallgarth, 19 – Piripi Douglas, 20 – Doug Rehu, 21 – Dan Morath, 22 – Jack Brooking.
South Canterbury: 1 – Matt Fetu (captain), 2 – Fai Savieti, 3 – Sione Tuliakiono, 4 – Jarred Hayman, 5 – James Cullimore, 6 – Tui Tauelangi, 7 – Johnny McFadzen, 8 – Amosa Anglem, 9 – Andrew Willson, 10 – Mark Tutton, 11 – Star Tuliakiono, 12 – Steve Kotua, 13 – Shane Spiers, 14 – Garth Hand, 15 – Seta Sauira.
Reserves: 16 – Foi Saena, 17 – Angus Lang, 18 – Tony Ward, 19 – Roydon Palmer, 20 – Sam Lunn, 21 – Darren O'Leary, 22 – Filipo Cameron.
REFEREE: Chris Rooney
