After a 19-29 loss to NZ Marist on Saturday, Rutene said the changes were always part of the plan as the squad plays three matches in eight days.
The New Zealand Heartland XV is:
|
1 |
Ralph Darling |
North Otago |
|
2 |
Troy Tauwhare |
West Coast |
|
3 |
Tyler Kearns |
West Coast |
|
4 |
Campbell Hart |
Wanganui |
|
5 |
Lachie McFadzean |
Wairarapa Bush |
|
6 |
Hone Haerewa |
East Coast |
|
7 |
Nathan Kendrick |
Horowhenua Kapiti |
|
8 |
Brett Ranga - captain |
Thames Valley |
|
9 |
Willie Wright |
South Canterbury |
|
10 |
Miles Medlicott |
South Canterbury |
|
11 |
Willie Paia'aua |
Horowhenua Kapiti |
|
12 |
Jaxon Tagavaitau |
Horowhenua Kapiti |
|
13 |
Peni Nabainivalu |
Wanganui |
|
14 |
Tristan Flutey |
Wairarapa Bush |
|
15 |
Himiona Henare |
Horowhenua Kapiti |
|
16 |
Anthony Ellis |
Buller |
|
17 |
Carl Carmichael |
King Country |
|
18 |
Meli Kolinisau |
North Otago |
|
19 |
Seta Koroitamana |
Mid Canterbury |
|
20 |
Churlainn Mabbett-Sowerby |
King Country |
|
21 |
Robbie Smith |
North Otago |
|
22 |
Sione Holani |
West Coast |
|
23 |
Patrick Pati |
North Otago |
Captain Brett Ranga and vice Captain Campbell Hart are the only two players to retain their starting spots in the forward pack, while Willie Paia’aua and Jaxon Tagavaitau will also back up from Saturday’s match.
South Canterbury pair Willie Wright and Miles Medlicott combine at halfback and first five-eighths while experienced front rowers Ralph Darling and Troy Tauwhare will add power up front.
“Regardless of the result on Saturday we were always going to play the all 26 players this week. We’ve got three games in eight days so need to manage the work load and get the best out of everyone."
Rutene said the team has reflected on their loss to NZ Marist and have addressed the areas they want to improve.
“We weren’t clinical or connected enough. Marist were a good team, they were efficient and brought an intensity that a lot of our players weren’t used too.
“We didn’t have enough ball to play with and the ball we did have, we gave away. We’ve looked at our break down, how we carry into contact and how we want to defend. I think with a few more trainings under the belt we’ll be better.
“We don’t know what the Vanua team is going to bring tonight so we need to make sure we are fresh and ready to play. Most of our team began their rugby season training back in January, we’ve got two games left and we want to finish on a high,” said Rutene.
New Zealand Heartland XV match schedule
Saturday 2 November, kick off 2pm
New Zealand Heartland XV v New Zealand Marist – LOSS 19-29
Boyd Park, Te Aroha
Wednesday 6 November, kick off 7pm
New Zealand Heartland XV v Vanua Fiji
Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji
Saturday 9 November, kick off 3pm
NZ Heartland XV v Vanua Fiji
Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka, Fiji