The reason being that about every second phone call he has fielded over the past fortnight has been from a premier squad member explaining why he is unavailable.
"In all my time in rugby I’ve never experienced such an attrition rate," Willis said.
"For last Saturday’s game against Alexandra, we had 10 players unavailable, and only one has reported fit in the meantime."
The captaincy initially belonged to midfielder Jack Wild, who withdrew for domestic reasons, whereupon the leadership passed on to Pete O’Malley, but he is now out with an ankle injury.
First five Daniel Adam, the goalkicker who amassed 107 points last season, will lead the team out today.
"It’s a shame because after our gallant performance in the White Horse Trophy game against Upper Clutha and the win over Cromwell, our season was coming together nicely," Willis said.
"Matakanui Combined haven’t won a game, but they possess an awesome front row.
"We’re just going to have to hang tough."
In contrast to his rival coach, Matak Combined’s Benjamin Peter has almost a full squad to choose from.
"We’ll be fielding close to our best XV in what is always a stirring local derby," Peter said.
"We’re desperate for a W and it’s always super special if we can put one over the Maggots."
Matak Combined’s front row is among the most powerful in the competition, with Mike O’Hagan at loosehead, Elliot Miller at hooker and Nick Gee, who is coming up 40, at tighthead.
Peter said Gee was playing some of the best rugby of his late career.
At first five is Barnaby Dunscombe, who has come to New Zealand from Wales, via Canada. His five penalty goals almost brought Matak an upset victory over Arrowtown two weeks ago.
Because tomorrow is dedicated to duck-shooting, all three games in round six were scheduled for midweek.
Last night, Upper Clutha were defending the White Horse Trophy against Arrowtown in Wanaka, and Cromwell were hosting Alexandra at Anderson Park.
In news out of the Arrowtown camp, former captain Blair Foster is back in town after a stint playing with Yorkshire in the UK, while centre Tim Grandiek was sidelined after sustaining a serious shin injury while deer stalking.
- By Bob Howitt
