Injuries force changes to Bulls

Will Johnston

The injury list is extensive in the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls squad, but it’s expected to thin out for next weekend’s Mitre 10 Cup semi-final.

Seven players all suffered injuries in the last few weeks of the competition and will be unavailable for the side’s final regular-season match against Hawke’s Bay in Inglewood tomorrow, Sunday, November 15.

Daniel Waite (groin), Brayton Northcott-Hill (concussion), Lisati Milo-Harris (ankle), Mitchell Brown (concussion), Fin Hoeata (shoulder), Chris Gawler (Achillies) and Ben May (Achillies) are all ruled out but expected to be back for the semi-final against either Hawke’s Bay or Otago. This weekend’s results will determine the make-up of the play-offs.

The list forced coach Willie Rickards to make some changes after the side’s 35-19 win against Manawatu in Feilding.

Inglewood prop Crusader Faletogoa’i could make his debut for the Bulls if required off the bench.

Replacement halfback Shaan Waite, brother of Daniel, and midfield back Danial Rona could both earn their second match for Taranaki, both coming off the bench in 2018 and this year against Waikato respectively.

Experienced halfback Warwick Lahmert will earn another start, in for Milo-Harris with midfielder Lukas Halls earning a start at centre, where he played a lot of his club rugby for Tukapa.

Kaylum Boshier (pictured right) will earn his 20th cap in his blazer game.

The young New Plymouth Old Boys player proved to be a pivotal player for the Bulls this season with his ability to switch between lock and loose forward. He will team up alongside fellow lock Josh Lord.

The remainder of the side remains relatively unchanged with flanker Lachlan Boshier and centre Sean Wainui sharing the captain duties.

Rickards said in a written statement the squad took plenty of positives out of last week’s victory, especially their second-half performance.

“We have been stressing the need to be more accurate and pay a bit more attention to some of our decision-making and I think we addressed that in the second 40 against Manawatu.

“The boys are really looking forward to playing against one of the sides who have really set the benchmark in the Championship division this season.”

Meanwhile, Hawke’s Bay will be buzzing after it locked the Ranfurly Shield away for the summer with an entertaining win against Wellington in Napier last weekend.
Its preparations were stalled earlier in the week after the Napier floods disrupted routines.

Captain Ash Dixon told Hawke’s Bay Today the team only got on to the field on Thursday for practice.

"There's not a lot we can really do about it, we've got to try and just get on with it, get our job done and get ready for this weekend," he said.

Dixon said his own family hadn't really been affected by the flooding, but it has certainly touched the team.

"One of the boys had to help his parents move their stuff because their place got absolutely smoked in Pirimai," he said.

"Two of the other boys had to go stay with parents or a motel in Hastings."

Hawke’s Bay will host a home semi-final next weekend, regardless of the result tomorrow.

Away from home, Hawke’s Bay lost three of its four matches.

Fullback Kurt Baker will play against his previous province after he left at the end of the 2015 season.

Hawke’s Bay will be without prop Sona Taumaolo after he was cited and found guilty of striking last weekend. This will see him miss the remainder of the season.

There will be plenty of incentive for the Bulls players to score this week, with major sponsors Atlas Professionals donating $200 for every point scored towards the Conductive Education Taranaki Trust.

Kick-off is 2.05pm.

Yarrows Taranaki Bulls: Jayson Potroz, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Lukas Halls, Sean Wainui ©, Lewis Ormond, Stephen Perofeta, Warwick Lahmert, Pita Gus Sowakula, Lachlan Boshier ©, Tom Florence, Kaylum Boshier, Josh Lord, Reuben O’Neill, Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit. Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Donald Brighouse, Crusader Faletagoa’i, Jarrad Hoeata, Mitchell Crosswell, Shaan Waite, Daniel Rona, Codey Rei.

Hawkes Bay: Kurt Baker, Lolagi Visinia, Sam McNicol, Neria Fomai, Jonah Lowe, Calebe Makene, Folou Fakatava, Devan Flanders, Solomone Funaki, Geoff Cridge, Tom Parsons, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Joe Apikotoa, Kianu Kereru-Symes ©, Namatahi Waa. Reserves: Ash Dixon (vc), Pouri Rakete-Stones, Joel Hintz, Bryn Evans, Gareth Evans, Connor McLeod, Lincoln McClutchie, Stacey Ili. 

Referee: Jono Bredin (Otago)

Photo by: LDV Photography