Time for Turbos to hit top gear

Desperate is probably a fair description of Manawatu's season, but coach Dave Rennie is hoping a logical and measured mindset can stop the bleeding during today's local derby with Wellington.

After five straight losses, Rennie admits the Turbos, second to last on the ITM Cup points table, need to start winning if they are to salvage their faltering season.

But against his old province he will implore his players not to head for the panic stations as they try to appease their home fans.

"They have game breakers all over the park, but sides that have started well against them and got into them have got off to a bit of a head start," Rennie said yesterday. "Every game Wellington seem to have stormed home even though they didn't quite get there against Counties. Teams that have denied them possession have gone well, so that'll be key."

Rennie will also tell his players the Lions are vulnerable after a rash of injuries that has seen attacking trump cards in wing Hosea Gear, hooker Dane Coles and midfielder Charlie Ngatai ruled out through injury.

"You have to be confident to have a crack. I'm not too sure who they have out, but we've still got eight frontliners missing ... in the end it's that sort of competition where anyone on their day if they play well enough can beat anyone.

"We need to win for a few reasons. We have been spanked a couple of times, but should have beaten Canterbury and were in with a shot against Hawke's Bay, but didn't do enough with the ball.

"We need a result for the confidence of the team and the confidence of the community."

The Turbos have welcomed back hard-running second-five Frank Bryant to the starting side and like other sides are sure to target Lions first-five Fa'atonu Fili in defence.

And former Lion Shannon Paku reverts to the wing after a stint at centre.

Manawatu will be hoping Paku can finish some of the try-scoring opportunities they have created but squandered during a season that's looked both promising and awful in equal dollops.

With two openside specialists in Gordon Tietjens and Callum Gibbons and a capable halfback in Aaron Smith, a wide game is likely, but it is not without risk.

The Lions thrive on turnovers and with openside Scott Fuglistaller and Victor Vito in the loose, are well equipped for a foot race. Despite a revamped front row, the visitors should also be more powerful up front.

If Wellington have had one constant during their four wins and a loss this season, it has been the potency of wing Julian Savea and the consistently effective running of second-five Shaun Treeby.

Halves Alby Mathewson and Fa'atonu Fili were too loose last time out, but a daytime kickoff will suit and if the latter gets front-foot ball, Manawatu could find themselves chasing shadows.

Manawatu have not beaten their provincial neighbours since 1989 and last year were well beaten 43-15.

Wellington are currently second and still searching for a complete performance despite four wins from five matches.

There will be much interest in the efforts of new centre Tajhon Mailata and if Wellington play to potential, his debut should end with a win.

How They Line Up

Venue: FMG Stadium, Palmerston North, today
TV: Sky Sport 1, 2.35pm
TAB: Wellington $1.10, Manawatu $6.00
Referee: Vinny Munro (Canterbury)
Wellington: Apoua Stewart, Julian Savea, Tajhon Mailata, Shaun Treeby, Alapati Leiua, Fa'atonu Fili, Alby Mathewson, Rodney So'oialo, Scott Fuglistaller, Victor Vito, Mark Reddish, Jeremy Thrush, John Schwalger, Ged Robinson, Jacob Ellison. Reserves: Motu Matu'u, David Te Moana, Faifili Levave, Dean Brunsdon, Ruki Tipuna, Lima Sopoaga, Buxton Popoalii.

Manawatu: Craig Clare, Shannon Paku, Hadleigh Parkes, Francis Bryant, Lote Raikabula, Isaac Thompson, Aaron Smith, Hamish Gosling, Callum Gibbins, Doug Tietjens, Fraser Stone, Michael Fitzgerald, Karl Haitana, Rob Foreman, Grant Polson. Reserves: Sean O'Connor, Shane Kingsland, Reece Robinson, James Oliver, Karl Bryson, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Casey Stone.

- © Fairfax NZ News