Ngatai rested for Auckland match
A heavy workload is being cited as the major reason why Taranaki have opted to rest captain Charlie Ngatai for their national provincial rugby match against Auckland at Eden Park on Saturday.
Ngatai, who has been plagued with concussion issues for more than a year, has dropped to the reserves, although there is no hint he continues to have any problem.
‘‘We’re managing Charlie,’’ Taranaki coach Colin Cooper said. ‘‘He’s had a big workload in the last few weeks, having started all three games, and it’s a busy season, so he’ll start on the bench.’’
Ngatai’s place in the starting XV has been taken by Sean Wainui while former Auckland representative Angus Ta’avao has been given the captaincy duties.
‘‘He [Ta’avao] has good clarity around our game and how we play, so is a natural choice as captain,’’ Cooper added.
Taranaki remains fairly blessed on the injury front, although they have lost experienced lock Leon Power for the week with a knee injury.
That gave Cooper a choice between drafting Samoa international Kane Thompson, who joined the squad on Monday as a replacement for Leighton Price, straight into the starting side or opting for the inexperienced duo of Brad Tucker and Fin Hoeata.
He plumped for the latter with Thompson to be injected into the match at some point.
‘‘It’s a great opportunity for Fin,’’ Cooper said. ‘‘He’s performed well coming off the bench in the last couple of weeks so earns his spot.’’
Hoeata certainly did not look Taranaki: Marty McKenzie, Declan O’Donnell, Seta Tamanivalu, Sean Wainui, Manasa Mataele, Stephen Perofeta, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Toa Halafihi, Lachlan Boshier, Pita-Gus Sowakula, Fin Hoeata, Brad Tucker, Angus Ta’avao (c), Ricky Riccitelli, Mitchell Graham. Reserves, Donald Maka, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Kane Thompson, Adrian Wyrill, Kylem O’Donnell, Charlie Ngatai, Johnny Fa’auli. Auckland: Jordan Trainor, Vince Aso, Malakai Fekitoa, TJ Faiane, Pryor Collier, Tyrone Elkington-MacDonald, Jono Hickey, Jerome Kaino, Blake Gibson, Taleni Seu, Ben Nee-Nee, Patrick Tuipulotu, Marcel Renata, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Isi Tu’ungafasi. Reserves: Kurt Eklund, Emersen Tamura, Marco Fepuleai, Lyndon Dunshea, Sinclair Dominikovich-Murray, Lisati MiloHarris, Latiume Fosita, Tumua Manu.
out of place when called on against Counties Manukau although there remains question marks over the
scrummaging strength he and Tucker will collectively provide at Eden Park.
Elsewhere, the loss of Waisake Naholo to the All Blacks, and a subsequent injury, sees Declan O’Donnell move back to the wing after he started off the bench against Counties.
Ta’avao returns for Mike Kainga who limped off last week. His knee injury was still being assessed, meaning he was not considered for the match day squad with Reuben O’Neill moving up from the development side.
He will be joined in the reserves by hooker Donald Maka who is preferred to Sione Lea while Ngatai will provide back cover along with Kylem O’Donnell and Johnny Fa’auli.