CLEARED TO PLAY
Green light to unleash Ngani Laumape
"He is a boost and we are looking forward to him making an impact." Turbos assistant coach Aaron Good on Ngani Laumape
The Manawatu¯ Turbos have been given the green light to unleash Ngani Laumape in their Ranfurly Shield challenge against Taranaki in New Plymouth tomorrow night.
The four-test All Black was back training with the side yesterday after not being part of the squad who travelled to South Africa.
It will be Laumape’s second game of the season for Manawatu¯ after starting against Otago earlier in the season.
‘‘He is a boost and we are looking forward to him making an impact and cause some damage through the middle,’’ assistant coach Aaron Good said.
Fullback Kurt Baker has also been cleared from the hamstring injury that has sidelined him since their win over Northland.
Baker spent 2010-2015 with Taranaki playing 57 games.
But on his return from Italy, he opted to return to his home province rather than add to his Taranaki caps.
The added experience is a major boost for the Manawatu¯ , who are yet to lock up a semifinal spot in the championship division.
A few players were sidelined at yesterday’s training, but Good said many of them were for precautionary reasons and they would still be available to play tomorrow.
Prop Fraser Armstrong, who took a nasty head knock against Counties Manukau, was one of those who did not train.
Good said he was progressing well and a final call would be made on him today.
As the provincial season reaches its final week before playoffs there are plenty of tired players so Good said they were adjusting their training sessions accordingly.
He admitted having a chance to play for the Ranfurly Shield has added some extra energy within the team.
‘‘After a loss you come in disappointed and hurting, but ... on Saturday morning there was an air of excitement,’’ he said.
It has added an extra spice to a match where there would not have been.’’
The team’s experience in their 19-10 loss to Waikato in a shield challenge last year has served as a lesson of what to be prepared for.
‘‘They learned a little bit about the build up and the preparation around it.
‘‘You just have to take your opportunities.
‘‘Starting well is critical. Taranaki are coming off an outstanding performance so minimising turnover opportunities is important.’’
Good has taken control of the team in the build-up for this match to allow coach Jeremy Cotter to be with his family after the death of his mother the morning of the side’s loss against Counties Manukau on Thursday.
Cotter will be back with the team come game day.