Player management focus for Spotswood United

Will Johnston

Managing players is Spotswood United’s focus ahead of Saturday’s match against Clifton in the CMK premier club rugby competition.

Last week, Spotswood United defaulted their match against New Plymouth Old Boys because of Covid – the second premier team forfeit this year.

But coach Etuale ‘Jet’ Togia said the decision took care of itself once he heard most of the players and management were struggling with illness.

“The focus within our team culture is ‘all about us’. This approach is based on the physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing of our players and their aiga [family],” he said.

Ahead of the week four clash at the Tikorangi Sports Ground, Togia said some players are still feeling the after-effects of Covid and the flu but most of the squad trained this week.

“I sensed players still feel a bit vulnerable, so it will be a case of managing their wellbeing over the course of this week to ensure they are ready for this Saturday and next Saturday.”

Without a win all season, Togia knows results are important but not as vital as the development of his team within the club and community.

Spotswood United has a strong foundation in captain Jacob Bourke, Paul Perez (pictured), Sione Sifa and assistant coach Matt Goodwin, who share their knowledge and experiences to grow the younger players. Even Togia can use his experiences after playing 50 first-class matches across Buller, Wairarapa Bush and Horowhenua/Kapiti Heartland teams. 

He said, this weekend is an opportunity for his team to be tested against one of the top teams in the competition.

“They are playing an amazing brand of rugby and are building nicely towards the finals.”

Clifton will be chasing six consecutive wins and an outright lead on the table.

Coach Colin Cooper said they have been working hard to be more consistent with their attack and having stronger discipline with their defence.

The rural team has scored the most points in the second round with 129, which backs up their attacking prowess. Matty James has scored 39 of those and leads the points overall.

Elsewhere, New Plymouth Old Boys (NPOB) host Stratford/Eltham at Vogeltown Park in a three versus four match-up.

NPOB will be fresh after a week-off but had a training run on Saturday morning instead.

The match will be a good test for Stratford/Eltham after last weekend’s unusual heavy defeat. 

Southern will have a spring in their step after a comprehensive win against Inglewood last weekend which broke a losing streak. But Saturday’s match will be a bigger step up as they head to Sanders Park to play unbeaten Tukapa.

Tukapa had a strong first half against Coastal last weekend but are looking to welcome back some players from injury and illness.

Inglewood host Coastal at TET Stadium in the remaining match.

Both teams will need to win to have any chance of making the top four with a month remaining.

All games kick off at 2:45pm.