Rugby: Taranaki side named for season opener

Taranaki Rugby

Photo by LDV Photography

The Yarrows Taranaki Bulls side has been named for their Hilux NPC Round 1 clash against Counties Manukau at Navigation Homes Stadium on Saturday.

Kick off at Pukekohe is at 2.05pm with broadcast via Sky Sport and TV1 (TVNZ).

Head Coach Jarrad Hoeata has named a settled starting XV after Friday’s 21-14 Battle at the Beach win over Wellington at Corbett Park, Ōakura.

All Blacks Sevens representative Sam Clarke (Nikau Contractors) slots into the first five eight position to replace newly named All Black Josh Jacomb.

Willem Ratu (ANZCO Foods/Eltham Fire & Emergency) earns the start on the left wing replacing Kini Naholo who has been ruled out with a hamstring niggle.

Inglewood, New Zealand Under 20 and Downer Taranaki Academy prop Dane Johnston and Stratford Eltham utility Rocky Olsen are set to make their Yarrows Taranaki Bulls debuts as CMK Chartered Accountants Impact Players.

Kaylum Boshier (The Devon Hotel) captains the side from Number 8 and will be supported by vice captains Bradley Slater (Super Liquor New Plymouth & Hawera) and Logan Crowley (CMK Chartered Accountants).

Former All Black Seta Tamanivalu (Central Roofing) is set to play his first Hilux NPC match in eight years at second five eight.

Taranaki team to play Counties Manukau, 2pm, Saturday:

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Vereniki Tikoisolomone, Mehinana Grindlay, Seta Tamanivalu, Willem Ratu, Sam Clarke, Adam Lennox, Kaylum Boshier, Michael Loft, Arese Poliko, Jesse Parete, Fiti Sa, Marika Parker, Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit. Reserves: JJ Pokai, Keightley Watson, Dane Johnston*, Jayden Sa, Sage Walters-Hansen, Logan Crowley, Haki Wiseman, Rocky Olsen*.

*potential debutants.