Taranaki Bulls need the win against Tasman

Should Taranaki want an easier run into the national provincial championship quarterfinals, a win against Tasman on Sunday in Nelson is needed.

At the mid-way point of the competition for Taranaki, the Bulls are six points behind this weekend’s opponents, but 10 points outside the top four in their conference. In a changed format for this year, the top four teams of each pool will advance into the play offs.

With Tasman’s form disappointing in comparison to previous seasons, including a loss against Wellington on Wednesday to start their storm week, Taranaki aren’t officially favourites but have a decent shot at their second win of the season.

With injuries still plaguing the team, coach Neil Barnes has stuck with largely the same playing 23 which lost to Waikato in the return match at Yarrow Stadium a week ago.

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Regular captain Mitch Brown could return from his injury sustained against Wellington a fortnight ago but is bracketed with Scott Jury at lock.

Tom Florence will return from injury via the bench, after a horror knee injury in the first match against Northland. His grit and determination will be a welcome return for Taranaki.

Liam Blyde starts at halfback in his 20th match to earn his blazer, while Matty McKenzie make his first start of the year. McKenzie was meant to start against Northland but withdraw because of injury.

Daniel Waite retains his position at 10 for Jayson Potroz, who’s shoulder injury is being monitored week-by-week. So too is Josh Setu and Adam Lennox’s concussion issues.

After his debut last weekend, Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens drops to the bench, with his brother Jacob still another few weeks away from his return.

With showers forecast to clear in Nelson on Sunday, Taranaki will be looking for better conditions in comparison from last week to utilise their fast wingers.

That’s something not that common for Taranaki this season after they have scored the least number of points this year.

A contrast to their exciting brand of rugby in their championship winning season last year.

Meanwhile, Tasman’s two wins have come against Southland and Manawatu this season. Injuries and All Blacks callups have presented them from fielding their best team.

Kick off is at 2:05pm.

Taranaki team to play Tasman on Sunday in Nelson:

Matty McKenzie, Vereniki Tikoisolomone, Daniel Rona, Teihorangi Walden, Kini Naholo, Daniel Waite, Liam Blyde, Pita Gus Sowakula, Michael Loft, Kaylum Boshier, Mitch Brown/Scott Jury, Jesse Parete, Donald Brighouse, Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit. Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Mitch O’Neill, Kyle Stewart, Scott Jury/Hemopo Cunningham, Tom Florence, Logan Crowley, Meihana Grindlay, Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.

– This content has been brought to you by Sport News Taranaki.