By Stu Piddington

South Canterbury coach Barry Matthews is confident his side has the firepower to lift the Meads Cup but is wary of a very good Thames Valley side.

The Swamp Foxes upset Wanganui to deny the Butcher Boys a chance of a fourth successive Heartland crown, and handed the hosting rights to South Canterbury.

When the sides met a fortnight ago, South Canterbury prevailed 33-24 in Timaru but it wasn't an easy victory.

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South Canterbury coach Barry Matthews says the key to winning its Meads Cup title was for his side stay composed. (File photo)

Matthews said Thames Valley would be a very tough opponent.

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"They have a good pack, tackle very well and are dangerous out wide. In some ways they are very similar to ourselves.

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Thames Valley will be without their co-captain - second five Shaun Hill, who was knocked unconscious against Wanganui, for the Saturday's Meads Cup final against South Canterbury.

"Any side that knocks over Wanganui in Whanganui deserves respect. I am sure they will be up for the challenge."

Matthews said the key for his side was to stay composed.

"It's about clarity of individual's roles and how they fit into the team. We have a game plan and everyone knows how they fit in.

MYTCHALL BRANSGROVE/STUFF

Neither South Canterbury nor Thames Valley have won the iconic Meads Cup, named after the late Sir Colin Meads. (File photo)

"They are a pretty good defensive side but so are we, I think we had the second best record after the round robin."

Matthews said a big positive was the fact they had been injury free.

"It's great to be able to pick from the whole squad."

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The only change from South Canterbury's winning side against King Country last weekend was the return of Marac Beckham, who comes into the reserves.

In contrast, Thames Valley lost their co-captain - second five Shaun Hill, who was knocked unconscious against Wanganui.

Thames Valley coach Matt Bartlett was philosophical about losing Hill.

"It a shame but that's part of rugby, we just have to move on."

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Big prop Garret Casey, try scorer, has been a stand out for South Canterbury this season.

Bartlett said his side was "buzzing" at the opportunity of playing a Meads Cup final.

"We are certainly up for it and excited. We thought South Canterbury were a good chance [of making the final] and it will be good a new name goes on the Meads Cup."

Bartlett said his side would need good line speed to cut down South Canterbury's options.

"They have threats everywhere, two good locks and the No.8 and it is the same in the backline from 10 to 12 and your wings are outstanding."

Matthews has been consistent with his selections in the back half of the season.

The only change from last weekend's winning side of King Country was the return of Marac Beckham, who had been at a wedding in Australia, into the reserves.

South Canterbury will be wary of the Swamp Foxes big front row but Garret Casey, Pita Anae Ah Sue and Matt Fetu have seldom been bettered this season.

Lock Veikoso 'James' Poloniati's great season has been rewarded by selection in the New Zealand Heartland XV, while Kieran Coll has loads of experience which could be called on.

The loose forward trio of Nick Strachan, Loni Toumohuni, and the explosive Timote Tuipolotu will certainly test Thames Valley.

Inside backs Willie Wright and Miles Medlicott are having their best representative season, while inform Zac Saunders has forced his way into the starting line-up at second-five.

Centre Shayne Anderson has proved difficult to stop and is a strong defender, while Kalavini Leatigaga and Setefano Sauqaqa have been strike weapons out wide.

Youngster Rico Syme has grown his game under his uncle Matthews, and it's hard to believe he was playing for Christchurch Boys' High School last year.

Thames Valley also have some very talented players and centre Harry Lafituanai is one of the most dangerous backs in the Heartland Championship.

First five Reece Broughton is also handy while left wing Kieran Lee is an excellent finisher.

The Swamp Foxes pack proved very good at hanging on to the ball against Wanganui, and South Canterbury will need to find a way to disrupt that.

For South Canterbury, it's their second final in four years but only captain Strachan, Coll, Medlicott and Fetu are survivors from that game.

Kick-off at Alpine Energy Stadium is at the earlier time of 1.05pm on Saturday.

AT A GLANCE

South Canterbury (from 15): Rico Syme, Setefano Sauqaqa, Shayne Anderson, Zac Saunders, Kalavini Leatigaga, Miles Medlicott, Willie Wright, Loni Toumohuni, Nick Strachan ©, Timote Tuipolotu, Veikoso 'James' Poloniati, Kieran Coll, Garret Casey, Pita Anae Ah Sue, Matt Fetu; substitutes: Dominic Visesio, Marac Beckham, BJ Oliver, Andrew Gooden, Theo Davidson , Jared Trevathan, Sione Fa'aoso

Thames Valley (from 15): Ethan Seymour, Matthew Abraham, Harry Lafituanai, Sam McCahon, Kieran Lee, Reece Broughton, Ben Boonar, Alex Bradley, Christian Kelleher, Brett Ranga, Connor McVerry, Cameron Dromgool, Sitiveni Topou, Glen McIntyre, Te Huia Kutia; substitutes Shin Ouchi, Sergio Felipe, Keegan Lewis, Ben Vincent, Matt Fisher, Nathan Emery, Lance Easton.

Article added: Friday 26 October 2018