Super semi sets seed of success
31st July 2009 03:19PM
By EVAN PEGDEN - Waikato Times
Callum Bruce says the success of the Chiefs in reaching the Super 14 final this year has given the Waikato players involved a shot of confidence.
Bruce, who has had a busy playing programme, will be one of the experienced players, guiding the Waikato backline from second five-eighths as well as doing the goal-kicking when the team kick off their Air NZ Cup campaign tomorrow night in Invercargill against Southland.
"I'm really excited. Having come off the back of a great campaign with the Chiefs the confidence is really high within obviously the guys who played for the Chiefs but also the Waikato region," Bruce said.
"We've got some great talent coming through and some good experienced boys still around, so there's a good mix.
"With some new philosophies and patterns of play brought in by the new coaches it's been refreshing and everyone's really pumped for this weekend."
There has been little rest for Bruce.
He played throughout the Chiefs' campaign in the No12 jersey and then was a late addition to the Junior All Blacks when Luke McAlister was whistled up to the All Blacks.
He has also found time to fit in a couple of games for his Hamilton Marist club team for the first time.
"I'm just really enjoying my rugby at the moment.
"I enjoyed getting back to Marist for a couple of weeks.
"Meeting a good bunch of guys and finally being able to pull on the club stripes has been neat.
"But I'm ready to go, the body's in good nick and I'm just looking forward to the season ahead really."
There was one late change to the Waikato bench yesterday afternoon after training when reserve prop Kieran Ramage's back stiffened up after the session and he was replaced by Hikairo Forbes.
Southland have named a strong side, anchored by the Highlanders' front row of skipper Jamie Mackintosh, David Hall and Chris King.
Southland: Robbie Robinson, Pehi Te Whare, Kenny Lynn, Jason Kawau, Matt Saunders/Tony Koonwaiyou, James Wilson, Scott Cowan, Hua Tamariki, Tim Boys, John Hardie, Joe Tuineau, Josh Bekhuis, Chris King, David Hall, Jamie Mackintosh (c). Res: Jason Rutledge, Fai Mika, Dave Gannon, Dion Bates, Sonny Rangitoheriri, Tony Koonwaiyou/Seminar Manu, Mark Wells.
Waikato: Sosene Anesi, Tim Mikkelson, Roimata Hansell-Pune, Callum Bruce, Dwayne Sweeney, Sam Christie, David Bason, Liam Messam (c), Jack Lam, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Kent Fife, Toby Lynn, Nathan White, Ole Avei, Ben May. Res: Vern Kamo, Hikairo Forbes, Romana Graham, Jordan Smiler, Josh Sutherland, Trent Renata, Save Tokula.
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