Rugby: Taranaki rugby side look to extend winning run

Photo by John Velvin

The Taranaki Bulls will chase a third straight win when they face Manawatū in Palmerston North on Thursday night, with several changes made to the side that beat Auckland last week.

Taranaki head into the round seven NPC clash after consecutive home victories over Canterbury and Auckland, with kick-off at Central Energy Trust Arena at 7.10pm.

Perry Lawrence and Zach Landon-Lane have been promoted to the starting front row, while Jayden Sa and Arese Poliko return to the forward pack after recent injuries.

Stratford Eltham winger Willem Ratu will start on the left wing in place of Kini Naholo, who has been ruled out for a week with a shoulder niggle.

Prop Reuben O’Neill has also been named on the bench and is set for his first appearance of the season after an extended injury layoff.

Returning All Blacks Bradley Slater and Josh Jacomb are back in Taranaki but will not feature against Manawatū. They are expected to be available for next Sunday’s match against Southland at Stadium Taranaki.

Taranaki remain without Adam Lennox and Logan Crowley, while Chris Vunipola, Fiti Sa, Scott Barrett and Olly Lawson are also sidelined.

Taranaki team to play Manawatu on Thursday night, 7.10pm.

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Vereniki Tikoisolomone, Meihana Grindlay, Daniel Rona, Willem Ratu, Sam Clarke, Quintony Ngatai, Kaylum Boshier, Michael Loft, Arese Poliko, Jayden Sa, Scott Jury, Marika Parker, Zach Landon-Lane, Perry Lawrence. Reserves: JJ Pokai, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Jesse Parete, Sage Walters-Hansen, Tai Mildon, Jamie Viljoen, Seta Tamanivalu.

Whio crowned champions

Meanwhile, the Taranaki Whio have won the Northern Regions Development title after a dramatic 28-26 victory over Thames Valley in Thames.

Taranaki went into the final looking to reverse a 28-17 loss to the Vixens a week earlier and responded with an improved set piece and strong defensive effort.

The lead changed several times before Taranaki, trailing 26-23 with five minutes remaining, appeared to score under the posts, only for the try to be overturned following intervention from the assistant referee.

The Whio recovered to retain possession through multiple phases before scoring in the corner to snatch the win and the 2026 title.

Tangini Latu, Brylee Millham-Gee, Libby Francis and Michelle Hurley were among the standout forwards, while Amelia Parata, Dani Muggeridge and Savana Leathers impressed in the backline.