Loan players dream of finals

NATASHA MARTIN/Timaru Herald

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: South Canterbury's three loan players have made an impact this season and intend to make an impression in the Meads Cup semifinals. (From left) Kayne Wahlstrom, Craig Smith and Peter Copeland.

South Canterbury's three loan players are confident they can make a difference in the Meads Cup semifinal.

The trio have all played crucial roles at times that helped South Canterbury make the play-offs for the first time in the union's history.

The side travels to Ashburton on Saturday to take number one qualifiers Mid Canterbury in a winner-takes-all contest.

Last time they played, Mid Canterbury snuck home when five-eighth Kieran Lindsay slotted an 82nd minute drop goal to give his side a 16-13 win, so the teams are hard to separate on form.

For South Canterbury, Kayne Wahlstrom has proved instrumental since moving from fullback to first five-eighth.

Back in his preferred spot he had commanded the backline and shown plenty of tactical ability with the boot.

Wahlstrom also kicked seven from eight against Horowhenua Kapiti last week for a personal haul of 18 points, and has been the side "player of the day" in the crucial last two games.

His goal kicking accuracy also sees him tied as third top points scorer in the Heartland Championship, with 80 behind Mid Canterbury five-eighth Kieran Lindsay who has 108.

Peter Copeland has nailed down the number six spot and his work rate has impressed since moving temporarily to Timaru.

The uncompromising Southlander has formed part of an excellent loose forward trio with Eric Smith and captain Andrew Scarlett.

He made his return off the bench last week after a viral infection sidelined him.

Lock Craig Smith was a late replacement after an injury to Otako Kaufusi, and the 1.98m lock has given the South Canterbury lineout some much-needed height.

Smith and Copeland were part of the Southland Development side, but opted to play Heartland rugby, to test themselves and get some exposure outside Invercargill.

The trio are all enjoying the rugby and Timaru.

The 20-year-old Smith said the level of rugby was what he expected.

"I'm enjoying it and it's great to be contributing."

Likewise, the 21-year-old Copeland has enjoyed his Heartland experience.

"It would be superb to make the final, and for me the experience of getting around the country and meeting new people has been great."

Wahlstrom, who hails from Auckland, has enjoyed both the rugby and overall experience.

"We certainly think we can beat Mid Canterbury, it's a game that got away last time."

He is also happy to be back at first five-eighth.

"I was happy to play where I was needed but Jimmy [Owen] is doing a great job at fullback and the backline has been functioning well over the last couple of weeks."

The trio would like nothing better than seeing the `green and blacks' through to the final.

- © Fairfax NZ News