Rugby match has town all a’ buzzing
‘‘This has been a fantastic way to end the season for Taranaki and it would be really good if we could fill that stadium up and urge our guys on to secure a home final.’’
Mayor Neil Holdom
Taranaki’s semifinal rugby clash against Tasman at Yarrow Stadium could be the hottest ticket item this long weekend.
The Port Taranaki Bulls take on the Makos in New Plymouth from
7.30pm on Saturday night and, with a potential home final berth on the line, anticipation is high.
The teams have developed a healthy rivalry in recent years with the Makos avenging a 2014 final’s loss to Taranaki by knocking the local team out in the semifinal in
2016.
Some Bulls supporters were already optimistically predicting the team could take out the 2017 Mitre
10 Cup.
Mayor Neil Holdom, who is on holiday in Fiji, said he would have loved to have been at the game and encouraged everyone to get along and support the boys in Amber and Black.
‘‘This has been a fantastic way to end the season for Taranaki and it would be really good if we could fill that stadium up and urge our guys on to secure a home final,’’ Holdom said.
‘‘I think if our guys can feel the region behind them, that will spur them on and I’m confident that they will pull out a good result for us.’’
He said the team’s strong performance in the competition cup and securing the Ranfurly Shield had provided a boost for the entire region.
‘‘They say a rising tide lifts all boats. I think people are feeling pretty good about Taranaki at the moment coming into summer.
‘‘We really have to take our hats off to Colin Cooper and the team he has put together. It’s great for the union in terms of it puts them in a strong position to attract players and sponsors.’’
Holdom said he would be keeping an eye out for the result of Saturday’s match and would definitely be at the final, if the Bulls won.
‘‘If we can’t find the game on satellite, we will see if we can get it on wifi.’’
Taranaki coach Colin Cooper echoed Holdom’s call saying crowd backing would be vital in the blockbuster clash and the Bulls were looking for a big turnout to give them the edge.
‘‘Our advantage is our fans,’’ Cooper said.
‘‘Tasman are a very good side, so having a lot of home support is very important. To play a semifinal here in front of a big crowd really gives the team a boost.’’
Kerry Simeon, Crowded House Bar and Cafe co-owner, said there was a good buzz around the town and he believed Taranaki could go all of the way.
‘‘I believe that they’ve done all of the hard yards,’’ Simeon said.
‘‘It’s (the semi-final) the last hurdle and then after that it’s just the finishing line.’’
He credited the success to the team culture created by coach Colin Cooper.
Canterbury Store owner Paul Clarke said sales of Bulls apparel had been brisk since the team won the shield.
‘‘We also seem to do well, when the team does well,’’ Clarke said.
He also predicted a title for Taranaki.
‘‘Bring it on, I think we have the complete team this time and I think Coops has done a wonderful job.’’