Taranaki have assembled a squad that looks good enough to make the last four.
Taranaki have lost a few and gained a few players which makes them relatively hopeful they can score more tries this year. TOBY ROBSON reports.
Vision Statement
“We are committed to being competitive and improving on the past. Mainly we want to improve on last year and play to the best of our ability. Hopefully that’s good enough to make the semifinals and if we get there we have the talent to take it all the way. head coach Colin Cooper
The Big Picture
Taranaki fans can expect better than last year when the team won just three games. A bunch of talent has gone south, but coach Colin Cooper has done a good job recruiting key players.
In particular the arrival of talented Southlander Marty McKenzie, the return of former New Zealand Under 20 pivot Cody Rei from North Harbour and a fit James Marshall ( Hurricanes) gives some play- making options on top of up and comer Beaudein Waka.
Decision making and the midfield were pinned as the problems behind last year’s second to last placed finish.
After using wing/ fullback Andre Taylor at centre last year, Cooper’s new options include Chiefs and Wellington midfielder Charlie Ngatai and unknown North Harbour teenager Sean Wainui, who cuts an impressive physical specimen.
They’ll all play outside Super Rugby halfbacks in Chris Smylie and Jamieson Gibson- Park and if they make better decisions wings Waisake Waholo and Kurt Baker might score some of the tries that were missing last season. The pack doesn’t lack grunt with Blues prop Angus Ta’avao on loan from Auckland adding size in front of locks like Kane Barrett, James Broadhurst and Blade Thomson.
Rising Star
Marty McKenzie. In three seasons with the Southland Stags we haven’t seen the best of a player who is still only 21. Whether first five or fullback, McKenzie has pace and vision with the added benefit of being a skilled goalkicker. Stints with the Blues in 2013 and as cover at the Chiefs this year as well as a run in the New Zealand sevens team highlight how highly rated the former New Zealand Under 20s representative is. Fullback seems his likely position for Taranaki.
Old Dog
Halfback Smylie has been battling away in provincial rugby since he made his debut for North Harbour way back in 2002. Few train harder, or care more, about their performance than the affable 32- year- old. He’s been good value for the Hurricanes this season in a back- up capacity and whether he starts, or comes off the bench behind Jamieson Gibson- Park, Smylie will add value for Taranaki in 2014. Though getting on in years, Smylie is in the best physical shape of his career.
New Arrivals
Plymouth Airport got a fair working over from the local rugby side over summer. Andre Taylor ( Japan), Jarrad Hoeata ( Wales), Neemia Soqeta ( France), Isaia Tuifua ( Wales), and Ope Peleseuma ( Wellington) all headed out of the Naki. Prop Shane Cleaver also retired due to repeated concussions. On the flip side coach Colin Cooper brought in some significant Super Rugby talent in Southland first- five/ fullback Marty McKenzie, Chiefs and Wellington midfielder Charlie Ngatai, former New Zealand sevens openside Iopu Iopu, and Blues prop Angus Ta’avao on loan from Auckland.