Taranaki near full strength

Normality has returned for Taranaki.

After sending what was effectively a B side to Albany to get thumped by North Harbour, Taranaki rugby coach Colin Cooper has returned the main men to their starting positions for Saturday night’s Mitre 10 Cup semifinal against Tasman at Yarrow Stadium.

‘‘We’ve got a settled team and we were fortunate to be able to give a number of players who have had a heavy workload this season a much needed rest against North Harbour,’’ Cooper said.

‘‘From what we have seen at training this week, the break has done them good - the group are fresh and hungry to play.’’

There are just a couple of changes

from the side who defended the Ranfurly Shield against Manawatu.

Top of the list is wing Waisake Naholo, who has been named to start for the All Blacks against Australia in Brisbane, while fellow flyer Manasa Mataele has not recovered in time from a bruised shoulder he suffered from a late charge.

Their absence means a return shift from the centres to the outside for Seta Tamanivalu while Declan O’Donnell retains his spot after

starting in Albany.

That means captain Charlie Ngatai returns to second five-eighth after playing from the back last week and off the bench the previous two following a head knock.

His stability and leadership, coupled with the form of Sean Wainui, could play a big part for Taranaki in the sudden death match.

The positive news for Cooper has been first five-eighth Stephen Perofeta’s recovery from a high ankle sprain he suffered against Manawatu and will start.

The 20-year-old has been a key component for Taranaki in 2017 through his under-rated running game while he has also been a more than useful cover defender when the side’s line has been splintered.

Taranaki’s forward pack virtually picked itself given their form, firstly in Christchurch when Taranaki thumped Canterbury, and again against Manawatu despite being taxed.

The bench, too, was largely predictable, although the list of fit outside backs has got extremely thin.

Tasman have yet to name their squad but it is expected to be named on Friday morning. They, like Taranaki, rested a number of key players in their last round robin match, a heavy loss to Counties Manukau.