Shield challenge brings back good memories

Will Johnston

 When the Taranaki Bulls take the field on Saturday to play Canterbury they will have fond memories of the last time they played Canterbury in Christchurch for the Ranfurly Shield.

In 2017, the amber and blacks made a history-making comeback to claim the famous Log ‘O Wood for the sixth time. Most people wrote Taranaki off after being down 7-21 close to halftime, but Taranaki stormed back into the game and eventually took the lead.

On top of that, while Canterbury has a favourable historical record against the amber and blacks and Taranaki has won two of the last four matches. 

So, Taranaki’s tails will be up especially after coming off a strong win against Bay of Plenty in the opening round when they play Canterbury on Saturday afternoon.

Taranaki coach Willie Rickards has made a slight tweak with the starting XV with two injury-enforced changes.

Loosehead prop Reuben O’Neill replaces Jared Profitt and Kylum Boshier is in for regular captain Mitchell Brown in the loose forwards. Brown suffered a hamstring injury in the final minute of last week’s match, which will mean midfield back Teihorangi Walden will be the captain.

Other changes are on the bench, where utility back Brayton Northcott-Hill and lock Jack Jordan are included.

Rickards said he was impressed with last week’s effort from the entire squad and felt it made sense to stick with the combinations.

“There were obviously some stand-out performances from certain individuals but the effort we saw from everyone in our group has been really encouraging.”

Top of the list of those who impressed at Inglewood’s TET Stadium and Events Centre were newly named All Blacks lock Tupou Vaa’i and fellow national squad member Jordie Barrett, who was a stand-out on his debut for the Bulls.

Barrett, along with older brother Beauden, will again lead the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls attack as the pair challenge for the Ranfurly Shield for the first time together.

There were also encouraging debuts for young wing Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, veteran prop Ben May and wing Lewis Ormond who could potentially add a successful Shield challenge to their varying rugby resumes.

“Everyone is really excited about the opportunity that is in front of us and we are really relishing the challenge,” Rickards added.

“We know what sort of quality exists in the Canterbury ranks and that is a big part of the appeal for us. To have the chance to head south and give everything we have to bring that old Log o’ Wood back to our fans and that’s a massive driver for us.”

Rickards was part of the 2011 Yarrows Taranaki Bulls side that traveled to Invercargill and defeated Southland to win the Ranfurly Shield alongside Beauden Barrett, while hooker Ricky Riccitelli, flanker Lachlan Boshier, centre Sean Wainui and Proffit were in the squad when they  stunned Canterbury in their 2017 challenge.

Loose forward Tom Florence will make his 20th appearance for the Bulls and earn his blazer if he comes off the bench.

Canterbury are coming off a powerful win against North Harbour last Friday night.

It’s expected All Black Richie Mo’unga will be up against Beauden Barrett at number 10.

Tickets in Christchurch are limited to Canterbury sponsors and members, who will be broken up into 100 bubbles, similar to what happened in Inglewood last weekend. 

Kick off is at 4:35pm on Saturday.

Taranaki Bulls to play Canterbury at Orangetheory Stadium:

Jordie Barrett, Jacob Ratumitavuki-Kneepkens, Sean Wainui, Teihorangi Walden ©, Lewis Ormond, Beauden Barrett, Lisati Milo-Harris, Kaylum Boshier, Lachlan Boshier, Mitchell Crosswell, Tupou Vaa’i, Josh Lord, Ben May, Ricky Riccitelli, Reuben O’Neill. Reserves: Bradley Slater, Jared Profitt, Donald Brighouse, Jack Jordan, Tom Florence, Warwick Lahmert, Jayson Potroz, Brayton Northcott-Hill.