Eight questions with the captain: Whetu Henry Ories

Above: Ories captain and tighthead prop Whetu Henry (third from left) calling the lineout towards the end of their Jubilee Cup match against Wainuiomata last week. 2011 Ories will probably need to beat OBU at Nairnville Park this Saturday to make the upcoming playoffs and make their third consecutive final.

Club: Oriental-Rongotai

Home ground: Polo Grounds

Current Super Rugby players: Ma’a Nonu (Highlanders), Julian Savea, Ardie Savea, Matt Proctor, Mark Reddish, Motu Matu’u, Jack Lam? (all Hurricanes)

Jubilee Cups won:1943 and 1944 (combined with Poneke); 2011. ?

Last year: Beaten finalists

Swindale Shield this year: Second

Captain: Whetu Henry

Position: Tighthead prop

1. What is special about playing in the Jubilee Cup?

Being part of this club means you are part of a close-knit family and getting to play in the Jubilee Cup is special as its two months of hard rugby between eight passionate clubs all wanting to become champions!

2. Which club do you feel your team has the biggest rivalry with and why?

Poneke - because they are our close rivals geographically and they we have a lot of history between the two clubs [they merged during World War 2]. They also steal our players!!!


3. If you could choose one forward and one back, either current or past, to join your team for its Jubilee Cup campaign which two players would you select?

Former Ories hooker and current Club Captain Lui Aukuso in the forwards with me and Ma’a Nonu out in the backs to add to our attacking flair.


4. Who are the fittest, the strongest and the fastest players in your team?

Meto Mata’afa! Plus Matt Proctor and Ambrose Curtis (currently injured) are two speedsters, and Pau Halafihi and Tutasi Masoe are both strong.


5. Who are the jokers in the team?

Pau and Kelipi Halafihi - you can’t stop them both from talking!


6. Does anyone in your team have superstitions or pre-game rituals before they take the field?

When we play at home we play music when we leave the changing rooms, Normally “Black & Yellow” by Wiz Khalifa.

7. Describe any special talents or claims to fame outside of rugby of a player or players in our team/club?

Charles Paese is a well known contemporary dancer.

Sean Hay can dunk a basketball

Petaia Tiai is a very talented actor.


8. How important are your club’s supporters in lifting your team and who is your number one fan?

We have the best supporters in Wellington club rugby, who are all friends and family. They keep us going when we feel a bit flat.
I think the mums of the players are the most vocal supporters.

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