Shield game looms for Taranaki in Hamilton

Above photo: Taranaki blockbusting centre Seta Tamanivalu will be back for Taranaki in their Ranfurly Shield match against Waikato on Sunday. Photo by: Dave Lintott Photography. 

For the first time in three years Taranaki will compete for the Ranfurly Shield when they face Waikato on Sunday in Hamilton.  

Taranaki will want to forget their 2013 challenge against Counties Manukau losing 44-7, but go into the challenge after been boosted by Seta Tamanivalu who has been released from the All Blacks.  

Although both teams are still officially yet to be announced, Taranaki made the announcement of Tamanivalu’s instalment on their Facebook page yesterday morning.  

Waikato’s Damien McKenzie is likely to return for the Mooloo’s at fullback.  

Ironically Waikato took the Shield off Taranaki in 2012 smashing the amber and blacks 46-10 in New Plymouth.

Taranaki has had a proud Ranfurly Shield history with their most memorable game against Auckland in 1996. They then had a stint with the Shield in 2011 taking it off Southland before the Waikato clash in 2012.    

Taranaki were lucky to win their Wednesday night match against Counties Manukau 30-29 after Josh Reynolds missed a penalty right out in front for the win. However, there is some momentum for the amber and blacks heading into the Sunday afternoon clash winning four from five matches so far in 2016.  

There were plenty of handling errors through the game though that needs to be addressed but their three tries from the game were all well-constructed.  

Given Tamanivalu’s inclusion at centre, it is likely that Sean Wainui will move to second five-eighth which means Johnny Fa’auli will move to the bench.

It will be interesting to see if flanker Lachlan Boshier gains a start over Berny Hall who missed Wednesday night's match due to injury. Lock Leighton Price started on Wednesday with a decision yet to come as to who will start among Price, Ben Matwijow and Leon Power in the second row.  

Waikato, who are close favourites to retain the Log o’ Wood in their fifth challenge, sit in fourth place on the premiership table with 15 points, sandwiched between Auckland and Counties Manukau one point apart.    

The match also doubles challenged for the Ryan Wheeler Memorial Trophy which Taranaki hold but will want to hold another piece of silverware for the bus ride hope on Sunday night.  

Both teams are due to be named tomorrow. 

Match details:  

Waikato v Taranaki
FMG Stadium Waikato
18 September, 4:35pm
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (Wellington)  

TAB: Waikato $1.80, Taranaki $2.00  

Head to head:  
Played: 78, 1921-2015 | Taranaki wins: 32 | Waikato wins: 40 | Draws: 6
Last match: Taranaki 41 Waikato 0, 18.09.15 in New Plymouth (ITMC)
Last Waikato win: Waikato 22 Taranaki 14, 12.10.13 in Hamilton (ITMC)
Biggest Taranaki score: 41 (41-45), 02.10.08 in Hamilton (ANZC)
Biggest Waikato score: 67 (67-9), 16.09.89 in Hamilton (NPC)
Biggest differential: Waikato by 58 (67-9), 16.09.89 in Hamilton (NPC)