It has all come about because after suffering concussion in the Highlanders’ game against the Western Force, Timu needs to complete a minimum of 30 minutes club action to prove he is ready to resume playing at Super level.
Normally, Timu would make that club appearance in Dunedin, but it just happens his sister is celebrating her 21st birthday in Wānaka — where the Timus all grew up — this very weekend. And Josh did not want to miss such an important occasion.
"It’s wonderful to have a player of Josh’s calibre turning out in Wānaka," Upper Clutha coach Garry Hape said.
"It’s a first for the Rams and the community.
"He played all his junior rugby in Wānaka before heading off to boarding school."
Timu (25), the son of 26-test All Black great John, trained with the Upper Clutha squad last night and will come off the bench against a Matakanui Combined team that will be on a high after its 41-26 first-up victory over Arrowtown.
Although Matakanui Combined has not secured the White Horse Trophy in recent seasons, it can claim to have held the trophy more than any other club down the years.
Coach Cory Crosbie was thrilled with his team’s performance against Arrowtown because of the scoring opportunities created through the basics being done well — the other highlight being the goalkicking of Marc Cormack, who banged over seven goals.
Alexandra will be seeking to convert attacking opportunities into points against Maniototo at Molyneux Park.
Having caused a massive boilover in game one, when it edged the 2022 champion Wakatipu 11-10, Alexandra managed just a single try against Upper Clutha, when it had as many scoring opportunities as its opponent.
Coach Lee Wilson said his team had been working on "the small moments" that could win matches.
"When scoring opportunities occur, you’ve got to take them."
The one setback for Alexandra is losing lock Jay Soloman, who is out for the season with a broken shoulder blade.
He was looking forward to tangling with Maniototo. "They always bring the best out in us."
Meanwhile, when Wakatipu and Arrowtown clash in the Battle of the Basin at Queenstown, they will be striving for their first victory of the season.
Wakatipu, on fire throughout the 2022 season, stumbled first up against Alexandra, then had a bye, while Arrowtown has suffered two comprehensive defeats.
Having the Easter weekend off has benefited Arrowtown, which had a frightening casualty list.
Arrowtown coach Simon Harper said dynamic blindside flanker Alesana Tulafono was back, as was halfback Jacko Wallace, whose return allowed Cole Berridge to move back to his specialist position of first-five.
"We gave too much ball away against Matakanui," Harper said.
"We’ve got a strong scrum and we’ve got to make things happen when we win possession."
By Bob Howitt
