New Southern coach enjoying challenge

Will Johnston

New Southern premier rugby coach Craig Dwyer is relishing the challenges at the Hawera-based club.

The former mid-Canterbury backs coach joined the team at the start of the year replacing Kepa Grindlay. He is also the club’s development officer employed by Taranaki Rugby.  

It’s been a cruel introduction for the South African-born coach without a win on the board in the CMK competition. Despite that, he gets a sense of strong community spirit. 

“Aside from the wild Southern weather, the first thing that has stood out to me is how welcoming and warm the community is,” he said.

“They are a passionate bunch that want the club to go well.”

Dwyer said he is starting to find his feet and now enjoys the challenge.

Ahead of Saturday’s match against Inglewood at Hicks Park, Dwyer said the team is looking to sharpen up on their presence and urgency around the breakdown.

“We were a bit slow out the blocks last Saturday and we gave Clifton plenty of opportunities to hurt us early on.” 

Despite the 28-25 loss, Southern is close to their first win of the season. The last three weeks, they have finished within seven points and had opportunities to win games.

The squad is developing well which includes a young but talented squad. Dwyer is pleased to have experienced players like former Ireland prop Micheal Bent, Taranaki midfielder Meihana Grindlay, Taranaki lock Fin Hoeata and former Taranaki wing Jackson Ormond in the team.

“They play a massive part in developing the younger players.”

Dwyer said if Southern can remain injury free, trust their systems and believe in each other, they are closer than ever to “clicking on.”

He knows Inglewood will be hurting and are also keen to get their season on track.

Inglewood coach Andrew Retallick said Southern has a strong set-piece and midfield combination.

“They have shown the ability to be able to move the ball from sideline to sideline in recent weeks,” he said.

Inglewood has introduced several new players within the club to premier rugby this season. They haven’t been able to select a consistent playing 22 because of injuries and Covid disruptions.

With Josh Jacob, Ben Sapwell-West and Shem Setu returning last week, coupled with Taranaki lock Mickey Woolliams starting, Retallick has hope for the coming weeks as Christian Fa’avae and Hayden Keeling are also due to return.

The focus this week for Inglewood is to work hard defensively and win key moments in the game.

Elsewhere, Stratford/Eltham host joint-leaders Clifton at Victoria Park.

Both teams are coming off wins last weekend and only one point separate them on the table. Clifton won the first-round match at Tikorangi.

Coastal is back at Rahotu against other competition leaders Tukapa.

Coastal is coming off a loss to New Plymouth Old Boys (NPOB), while Tukapa beat Spotswood comfortably.

Spotswood United defaulted their match against NPOB at Yarrow Stadium due to injuries and Covid. 

All matches kick off at 2:45pm.