Poverty Bay coach on the bench for Thames Valley Heartland rugby clash
Away with the Dragon; enter the Taniwha.
Poverty Bay Weka’s head coach will be a player-coach on Saturday.
Paoraian Manuel-Harman is on the bench for the Bay’s Heartland Championship week five clash with the Thames Valley Swamp Foxes at Rhodes Park in Thames.
The Weka also welcome back Andrew Tauatevalu at starting fullback on loan from NPC competition leaders Hawke’s Bay.
Manuel-Harman debuted for Poverty Bay as a reserve against Ngāti Porou East Coast Kaupoi in a 42-16 win on September 26, 2020.
In 16 appearances at wing or fullback over four seasons – the last against King Country in 2024 – he scored five tries, kicked six penalty goals and 16 conversions for 75 points.
Illness and injuries to key players mean Manuel-Harman, who plays club rugby for Tapuae Taniwha, is putting the boots on.
Former YMP club player Tauatevalu played 35 games over five seasons for Poverty Bay (the last against Mid Canterbury in November 2021).
The penetrative thrust he provides on attack could swing Saturday’s 1pm game Poverty Bay’s way.
Bay co-captains Keanu Taumata (openside flanker) and Shayde Skudder (hooker) lead a team who have scored some astounding tries without a win.
They will, however, be without Auckland-based halfback Henry Saker and first-five Tayler Adams.
Tauatevalu will start in place of Wiremu Erkell, but can also play wing or centre.
Manuel-Harman also covers backline positions and can kick goals.
In other changes from their week four loss to North Otago, Lance Dickson has moved from loosehead to tighthead prop in place of Salesi Niuvao.
Fatongia Paea, who impressed in his Heartland debut against Horowhenua-Kapiti on August 23, will wear the No 1 jersey.
Skudder starts for Ngahiwi Manuel, Jokatama Cewa is at blindside flanker for Felekoni Luau and Saker and Adams’ replacements are Silas Brown and Cohen Loffler.
Matthew Proffit is on the left wing for Angus Chapman and Jack Sheridan takes the place of powerhouse Taine Aupouri at centre.
The 11th-placed Weka have won 33 of 56 games against Thames Valley since 1931, including 12 of 17 in the Heartland Championship era.
Coached by Dave Harrison, the Swamp Foxes are sitting third on a tight points table and coming off a 47-36 win over Wairarapa Bush.
“Every chance to play a Heartland game for your province is exciting, and Poverty Bay is a proud, dangerous opponent,” Harrison said.
“They’ve always been a tough team to play and this particular side has the ability to score points quickly.”
The Valley are led by hard-nosed lock Connor McVerry, who was on the bench when the sides last met in Gisborne in 2024 – won 71-17 by Thames Valley.
The NZ TAB does not rate the Weka a chance. Thames Valley are $1.07 for the win while the Weka are paying $7.
Poverty Bay Weka: Fatongia Paea (loan player, Auckland), Shayde Skudder (cc), Lance Dickson, Harawira Kahukura, Khian Westrupp, Jokatama Cewa, Keanu Taumata (cc), Uini Fetalaiga (LP, Auckland), Silas Brown, Cohen Loffler, Matt Proffit, Braedyn Grant, Jack Sheridan (returning NZ player), Josaia Bosaka Tikicidre, Andrew Tauatevalu (LP, Hawke’s Bay). Res: Matekairoa McGuire, Salesi Niuvao, Franco Ludwig, Ta’ziayah Milner, Liam Beattie, Tsugunosuke Hirai, Paoraian Manuel-Harman, TBC.
Thames Valley: Nico Aandewiel, Josh Tye, Adam Coyle, Connor McVerry (c), Tevita Taukeiaho (LP, Bay of Plenty), Oneone Faafau, Kenan Gillson (vc), Laulea Mau, Kirk Ngatai, Quinn Collard, Sione Etoni, Rodney Tongotea, Andrew Malua, Ethan Dromgool, Max Baker. Res: Tevita Vaea, Mafi Fifita, Chad Bracey, AJ Slade, Dylan Horne, Wesy Akauola, Colville Green, Jay Malalilegoi.