Otago Country will field a classy and experienced backline when it plays Wairarapa-Bush in Masterton this afternoon.
The Country side arrived in Wellington for its short tour of the North Island on Wednesday.
Coach David Latta has picked a strong side to play the Heartland Championship side and he is expecting a tough game against a team which made the semifinals last year.
Wairarapa-Bush was beaten 91-19 earlier this season by Wellington in a Ranfurly Shield challenge in Masterton.
Country's strength appears to be in the backline, with former Highlander Charlie Hore lining up at second five-eighth.
Hore was playing overseas but has returned to the family farm in Central Otago and made some appearances for the Maniototo club.
Inside him is former Taranaki first five-eighth Sam Young, who will captain the team.
Hard-running Lawrence midfield back Lex Kaleca is at centre, while exciting schoolboy Matt Faddes will play at fullback.
The experienced James Kenny will feed the backline.
The key players in the pack are loose forwards Aidan Winter and Shaun Tauti.
The side will travel by bus to Masterton tomorrow morning then return to the capital after the game.
Its other match in the North Island is against Horowhenua-Kapiti in Otaki, under lights, starting at 7.30pm on Tuesday.
Country then heads to Oamaru to play North Otago on August 15.
• Otago Country
to play Wairarapa-Bush in Masterton today
Matt Faddes, Sonny Vakaruru, Lex Kaleca, Charlie Hore, Ben Purvis, Sam Young (captain), James Kenny, Shaun Tauti, Aidan Winter, Dave Kenny, Junior Maiono, Dan Iosefo, Blair Young, Willie Harris, Hamish McDougall.
Reserves: Dan Greon, Vaughan Dowling, Simon Grant, Craig Hyslop, Reece Winter, Mitchell Lake, Alan Thomson.
Otago Country will field a classy and experienced backline when it plays Wairarapa-Bush in Masterton this afternoon.
