Flu only blot as injury cloud clears | Manawatu-Wanganui Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Manawatu-Wanganui

Only ill winger John Mow, of the physically fit players, appears likely to miss Saturday's opening Heartland Championship rugby match after some good news on the injury front for Wanganui on Tuesday night.

Mow has copped a very decent dose of the flu, and is unlikely to be considered for the match against South Canterbury at Cooks Gardens.

While Steelie Koro is still probably five or so weeks away with his rotator cuff shoulder problem, at least last year's leading tryscorer, Fraser Middleton, was moving well on Tuesday night, lock Sam Madams' keyhole knee surgery appears to have been a success (three weeks at worst), and Matt Gilbert at TK Moeke - under slight injury clouds after the weekend's win over Manawatu B - both appear to be okay.

Whether Middleton is considered for Saturday - he hasn't played for about six weeks - depends on the backline mix coach Guy Lennox decides to go with.

And this was the cause of considerable speculation on Tuesday night.

He appears to have two ways to go when he names his team at tonight's training.

1: Retain the backline that played against Manawatu B - Matthew Koubaridis, Mark Davis at first, Vance Pereka and Moeke in midfield, Cameron Crowley on one wing and Ace Malo on the other - possibly with Sam Scown coming on to the other wing unless Mow makes a huge recovery.

2: But the fit presence of Denning Tyrell creates some interesting questions. Lennox will still probably consider him his No1 halfback, but the loss of Koro for a while could entice him to move Davis out to second-five with Moeke in the centres, start Tyrell at first-five and Koubaridis at halfback.

Tyrell, of course, could be a straight swap for Koubaridis in the first suggested alternative, especially after his fine form against Manawatu B.

The other selection problem is at No8, with probably either of Darren Munro or Utiku's Adam Roe being preferred. The latter is certainly big enough and has speed off the mark, although he's played most of his rugby off the side of the scrum.

Middleton remains the wild card, but providing there are no further injury/illness problems, he might come off the bench.