Wairarapa Bush face South Canterbury in Lochore Cup semifinal
Friday 9 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated 
Wairarapa Bush will play South Canterbury in a Lochore Cup semifinal at Fraser Park in Timaru. Wairarapa Bush coach Jamie Williams has faced late player withdrawals, while South Canterbury's defensive transitions have been identified as a potential weakness.
Key facts
5 facts
- Lochore Cup semifinal at Fraser Park, Timaru, 2pm Saturday
- Wairarapa Bush last won in Timaru in 2008
- South Canterbury has won 19 of 31 matches against Wairarapa Bush
- Wairarapa Bush's last win over South Canterbury was in 2018 in Masterton
- South Canterbury scored 391 points during the Heartland Championship round robin
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Wairarapa Bush will play South Canterbury in a Lochore Cup semifinal at Fraser Park in Timaru this Saturday at 2pm. The match is a significant challenge for Wairarapa Bush, who are looking to end an 18-year drought of victories in Timaru.
Wairarapa Bush coach Jamie Williams is working to assemble a 23-man squad following several player withdrawals. Recent departures include utility forward Malakai Biumaiwai, midfielder Harry Eschenbach, hooker George Parke, and loan first-five Hoera Stephenson. Williams noted that eight key players are currently injured.
South Canterbury coach Luke Reihana has identified defensive transitions as a challenge for his side. Reihana noted the team has struggled to transition from attack to defence, citing a recent 100m try conceded to Poverty Bay.
The match features two teams with distinct styles. Wairarapa Bush aims to play an open, fast, aerobic game, while South Canterbury prefers a stop-start, power-based approach. South Canterbury has won 19 of the 31 matches played between the two sides since 1975.
Where reports differ
- One report states Wairarapa Bush's last win over South Canterbury was in 2018, while another states it was in 2021.
Compiled from reports by The Post and The Press.