New Zealand Heartland XV named for match against New Zealand Marist

Nov 6 • General News • 1559 Views • Comments Off on New Zealand Heartland XV named for match against New Zealand Marist

The New Zealand Heartland XV team to open their 2015 campaign against New Zealand Marist tomorrow in Masterton has been named.

The team is:

1   Matt Fetu
2   Cole Baldwin
3   Timaru Tafa
4   Adam Ross
5   Eric Duff (captain)
6   Fraser Hammond
7   James Goodger
8   Bryn Hudson
9   Lindsay Horrocks
10   Stephen Perofeta
11   Tyrone Keith
12   Lemi Masoe
13   TK Moeke
14   James Hemara
15   Mike Tambour

Reserves:
16   Jackson Donlan
17   Ralph Darling
18   Kurt Simmonds
19   Hayden Anderson
20   Craig Moore
21   Zayn Tipping
22   Time Priest
23   Lance Easton

Heartland XV Head Coach Grant Keenan said the squad had trained well this week and they were excited to get their campaign under way.

“We know that Marist is no pushover and when you’re playing for a prize like the Ian McCrae Cup, both teams will want the silverware.”

Mid-Canterbury’s Jon Dampney has been called into the squad as cover after resident captain Peter Rowe was suspended for one match for foul play in Wanganui’s Meads Cup Final against South Canterbury.

“We’re obviously disappointed to have lost Peter, but we have full faith in the entire squad. Eric captains his Southern rugby Club in Mid Canterbury so he will be no stranger to leadership on the field.

“Everyone is excited – there’s great energy and enthusiasm in the camp. Our trainings have been really good, and everyone’s learning from this environment,” Keenan said.

Wanganui Collegiate’s Stephen Perofeta has been handed the conductor’s duties at first-five-eight – a sign of Keenan’s faith in the 18-year-old’s ability to control their play.

“We’re very proud to have a great mix of experience and new blood. The fact that we have Stephen Perofeta out there alongside Lemi Masoe (North Otago) who’s 35, just goes to show you how fantastic Heartland rugby is, and how guys can keep their bodies going for that long,” he said.

New Zealand Heartland plays New Zealand Marist at Trust House Memorial Park, 6pm tomorrow (Saturday) night.

New Zealand Heartland XV fixtures:

Date: Saturday 7 November
Who: New Zealand Heartland XV v New Zealand Marist
Venue: Trust House Memorial Park, Masterton
Time: 6.00pm

Date: Tuesday 10 November
Who: New Zealand Heartland XV v Australian Barbarians
Venue: Levin Domain, Levin
Time: 5.30pm

Date: Saturday 13 November
Who: New Zealand Heartland XV v Australian Barbarians
Venue: Cooks Gardens, Wanganui
Time: 6.00pm