New Zealand Heartland XV team to play NZ Marist named

The team to play New Zealand Marist on Saturday is:

1 Ralph Darling (North Otago)
2 Troy Tauwhare (West Coast)
3 Matt Fetu (South Canterbury)
4 Eric Duff (North Otago)
5 Nic Cranston (Wanganui)
6 Riiki Waitoa (East Coast)
7 Peter Rowe, captain (Wanganui)
8 Jon Dampney (Mid Canterbury)
9 William McKenzie (Mid Canterbury)
10 Tim Priest (West Coast)
11 Whaimotu Craft-Chemis (East Coast)
12 Fa’aitu Tuamoheloa (South Canterbury)
13 TK Moeke (East Coast)
14 Dwayne Burrows (Mid Canterbury)
15 Michael Tambour (Horowhenua-Kapiti)

Reserves
16 Nathan Tubb (South Canterbury)
17 Shaun McDonough (Wanganui)
18 Lasa Ulukuta (Wanganui)
19 Alan Monk (West Coast)
20 Andrew Stephens (Buller)
21 Glen Walters (Wairarapa Bush)
22 Cameron Hayton (Waiararapa Bush)

The entire backline have retained their starting spots. In the pack, Troy Tauwhare (West Coast) swaps places with South Canterbury’s Nathan Tubb to take the No 2 jersey with Tubb to start off the bench.

Lock Lachie McFadzean (Wairarapa Bush) makes way North Otago’s Eric Duff who is the only other change to the starting line-up.

The Heartland XV ran in a 60 – 34 win on Tuesday over the combined Defence Force services that had taken out wins against Northland XV and NZ Police in recent weeks. Read that match review here.

A delighted Kurt McQuilkin said he was satisfied with the way the team performed in Methven this week.

“I’m pretty happy with the way they went and the way they set targets. Marist will be different and tougher, they will have a pool of talent from ITM Cup Unions and top club sides so I’m expecting them to come out firing.

“Our guys will need to step up defensively, and I’m looking for them to be more aggressive in line speed and attack.

“The boys have had a taste of Heartland XV rugby and they’re enjoying the opportunity to fly the flag for their Heartland Unions,” he said.

New Zealand Heartland XV v New Zealand Marist, Saturday 9 November, kick-off at 2:30pm.