Good conditions would be foreign
The Taranaki Development team will be hoping the sun shines on Vogeltown Park and on their Northern Regions competition chances when they take on North Harbour in New Plymouth on Saturday.
After weeks of matches played in wet weather and on muddy grounds, which have made running rugby difficult, Taranaki are desperate for a dry day and a firm track to showcase their skills in what will be a season-defining match.
Taranaki need to beat North Harbour and hope competition leaders Auckland, who are unbeaten, stumble against Counties Manukau.
Should that eventuate, Taranaki will travel to Auckland next weekend with a chance of defending the title they won last year.
‘‘We’re not worrying too much about that,’’ assistant coach Jason Hooper said.
‘‘Our focus is on the game at hand.
‘‘We need to play our normal game – go out with a mindset to take the ball up in the forwards first and then create space for our backs and play fast and expansive.’’
There are a number of changes to the Taranaki team, including up front where Mitre 10 Cup squad members Mike Kainga and Asa Sorovaki come in and will pack down with hooker Scott Mellow.
Kainga makes his return to rugby having been out of action in recent weeks because of a knee injury.
Jack Jordan has recovered from a groin injury and slots back into lock, replacing Micaiah Torrance-Read, who has an elbow injury and is missing for the first time this season.
Jordan will link with Mikaere Bell, who comes into the second row in place of captain Matthew Kissick.
The versatile Kissick moves to No 8, taking over from Shem Setu who broke his arm against Waikato.
Ethan Perrett, who has played lock for Taranaki Development this season, will be at blindside flanker, while openside Dylan Juffermans’ speed to the breakdown will be crucial to the team’s hopes of playing an expansive game.
Halfback Warwick Lahmert and Jayson Potroz, who both kicked the team expertly around the field in difficult conditions last week, again combine in the halves.
Kick-off is 1pm.