The last time these two teams met was to contest the Ranfurly Shield in a one-sided encounter. Expect enough brutality from a Manwatu side desperate to get revenge.
MISSING IN ACTION: Jason Emery’s continued absence sees Hamish Northcott get a chance at centre for Manawatu. Rob Foreman’s return to the starting hooker role.
Taranaki, meanwhile, have named an unchanged lineup. Rhys Marshall has been pencilled in at hooker alongside Timo Tutavaha for the substitute hooker slot.
FORM: The less said about Manawatu the better, really. Their 7-72 whalloping at the hands of a wounded Canterbury side illustrated the side’s need for better defensive patterns. The only positive from that defeat is a short turnaround means there’s no time to think about the past.
Taranaki, meanwhile, have had a disappointing campaign. Defeats to Canterbury and Wellington aren’t the ideal way to start the season, but since that tough start they’ve won three out of their next five matches and should survive. They’ll want to be certain, however, with three games to play.
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MANAWATU v TARANAKI Saturday 28 September, 5.35pm at FMG Stadium, ManawatuPlayed: 84, 1890-2012Manawatu wins: 22 | Taranaki wins: 55 | Draws: 7 Last match: Taranaki 59 Manawatu 18, 29.09.12 in New Plymouth (ITMC, RS) |
WE THINK:
Taranaki have a chance to put some breathing space between themselves and fellow Premiership strugglers Waikato and Bay of Plenty and should capitalise on the opportunity.
While Manawatu’s backs have been there or thereabouts this season, Taranaki’s forward pack has carved off a number of teams so far in 2013 and will be instrumental to the side’s chances on Saturday.
Taranaki by 10.
TEAMS:
Manawatu:
1. Chris Evens, 2. Rob Foreman, 3. Ma’afu Fia, 4. Fraser Stone, 5. Michael FitzGerald, 6. Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, 7. Callum Gibbins (c), 8. James Oliver, 9. Papa Wharewera, 10. Jade Te Rure, 11. Newton Tudreu, 12. Tevita Taufu’i, 13. Hamish Northcott, 14. Leroy Van Dam, 15. Lewis Marshall.
Substitutes: 16. Bryn Templeman, 17. Jared Brock, 18. Dan Squire, 19. Nick Crosswell, 20. Nic Stirzaker, 21. Nate George, 22. Nico Malo.
Taranaki:
1. Carl Carmichael, 2. Timo Tutavaha/Rhys Marshall, 3. Ryan Cocker, 4. Kane Barrett (c), 5. James Broadhurst, 6. Mitchell Crosswell, 7. Doug Tietjens, 8. Blade Thomson, 9. Jamison Gibson-Park, 10. Beaudein Waaka, 11. Seta Tamanivalu, 12. Isaia Tuifua, 13. Andre Taylor, 14. Jackson Ormond, 15. Kurt Baker.
Substitutes: 16. Rhys Marshall/Abe Haira, 17. Sione Lea, 18. Nemia Soqeta, 19. Mitchell Brown, 20. Chris Smylie, 21. Daniel Brooks, 22. Waisake Naholo.
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