Strong line-up to face Waikato
Combative loose forward Tom Robinson returns from injury in a strong Taniwha line-up named to face Waikato in the Mitre 10 Cup Championship semifinal today.
Also back from injury and into the starting line-up are lock Josh Goodhue and prop Ross Wright as Northland look to upset the Championship pacesetters in Hamilton this afternoon.
Head coach Derren Witcombe has named a mostly experienced line-up in the do-or-die match while ensuring there’s bench quality to make an impact when needed.
Skipper Matt Moulds will again lead the side from hooker, with Wright and Ropate Rinakama completing the front row.
Lucas Albornoz of Waipu¯ and Goodhue will form the locking duo, Robinson plays at blindside with Aorangi Stokes at No 7 and Jaycob Matiu will slot in at No 8 in place of Matt Matich, who’s on the bench.
In the backs, Witcombe has named a predictable halves pair of Jack Debreczeni and Sam Nock as the 9 and 10, and Scott Gregory and Jordan Hyland on the wings.
Japan-bound Rene Ranger and Tamati Tua will start in midfield with Matt Wright as fullback.
The reserves bench will be occupied by Matich, Jordan Olsen, Jack Straker, Isileli Tu’ungafasi, Sam McNamara, Jono Kitto, Wiseguy Faiane, and Blake Hohaia who’ll play in his blazer game if he takes the field.
The match at FMG Stadium kicks off at 2.30pm.
Northland will try to go one better this year after losing to Wellington in last year’s semifinal. If they beat the Mooloos, the side will face either Hawke’s Bay or Otago in the final the following Friday.
It will be no easy task today with Waikato thumping the Taniwha in Whanga¯rei 71-28 on October 6. However, the Mooloo men lost to Otago in their final pool game last weekend.