Top of table clash beckons in NPC

Photo above: Prop Mitchell Graham will play his eighth consecutive NPC match when he lines up for Taranaki against Canterbury on Sunday. Photo by Dave Lintott Photography

The two leading teams in 2016 national provincial championship will play each other in New Plymouth this weekend which is mounting to be a key game for both teams.  

Competition leaders Canterbury will travel to play Taranaki, who are in second place, one point behind the red and blacks on 25 points.  

Although both teams have played seven matches, it’s Canterbury's turn to play three games in 10 days and are coming off a Ranfurly Shield victory over Waikato on Wednesday night 29-23.    

The defending champions have had good history against Taranaki winning 45 out of 63 matches but Taranaki actually beat Canterbury in an historical match in Christchurch 24-12 in last year’s round robin – the first victory in Christchurch since 1962.  

Canterbury then replied with a comprehensive victory in the semi-final a few weeks later.  

However, heading into this match Taranaki will need a win to move into the top spot on the competition ladder, but they will need to step up in their biggest threat so far this year.  

The amber and blacks have won five matches so far in their campaign with one the solitary loss coming to Tasman and a draw to Waikato.  

Taranaki coach Colin Cooper has made five changes to the starting XV after beating Manawatu 30-19 with Rhys Marshall and Ryan Cocker returning to start in the front row.  

Mitchell Brown will gain a start at blindside flanker with Iopu Iopu-Aso moving to number 8 ahead of Toa Halafihi. Mitchell Crosswell is still out with rib complaints but Berny Hall, who was ruled out hours before kick-off last weekend, will captain the side. Lock Leon Power will join Crosswell on the casualty forwards list.  

There is just the once change in the backs Sean Wainui back in the starting line up at second five-eighth ahead of Johnny Fa’auli, who has played every game since week five. Kylem O’Donnell maintains a start at halfback ahead of Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi who is on the bench.  

There is plenty of depth on the bench for Taranaki with Sione Lea, Jared Profit and Reuben O’Neill the front row replacements, Lachlan Boshier and Halafihi are the loose forward reserves with Tahuriorangi, Fa’auli and Jackson Ormond the remaining benched players.  

Meanwhile Canterbury will be aware of their short turn around after the Waikato match on Wednesday.  

Coach Scott Robertson has bought two new players into the playing 23 and has made four rotational changes to the team after Wednesday night. The rotations are at prop, hooker, lock and first-five, with Daniel Lienert-Brown starting ahead of Alex Hodgman, Nathan Vella starting in place of Ben Funnell, David McDuling starting in place of Dominic Bird, and Ben Volavola taking the first five starting spot instead of Richie Mo’unga.   

Halfback Alby Mathewson also moves from the bench to the starting line-up this week, and Jack Stratton joins the 23 to provide cover.  

On the wings, George Bridge enters the team at 11 and Nathan Earle moves across to 14.   

Jordie and Scott Barrett will play against their home province for the first time.    

Match details:
Taranaki v Canterbury
Sunday 2 October Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
2:35pm  

Referee: Glen Jackson (BoP)  

Taranaki: Stephen Perofeta, Declan O’Donnell, Seta Tamanivalu, Sean Wainui, Latu Vaeno, Marty McKenzie, Kylem O’Donnell, Iopu Iopu-Aso, Berny Hall ©, Mitchell Brown, Leighton Price, Ben Matwijow, Ryan Cocker, Rhys Marshall, Mitchell Graham. Reserves: Sione Lea, Jared Profit, Reuben O’Neill, Lachlan Boshier, Toa Halafihi, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Johnny Fa’auli, Jackson Ormond.  

Canterbury: Johnny McNicholl, Nathan Earle, Jack Goodhue, Jordie Barrett, George Bridge, Ben Volavola, Alby Mathewson, Luke Whitelock ©, Jed Brown, Reed Prinsep, David McDulling, Scott Barrett, Siate Tokolahi, Nathan Vella, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Alex Hodgeman, Oli Jager, Dominic Bird, Billy Harmon, Jack Stratton, Richie Mo’unga, Inga Fianu.  

Head to head:  
Played: 63, 1892- 2015 | Canterbury wins: 45 | Taranaki wins: 16 | Draws: 2
Last match: Canterbury 46 Taranaki 20, 17.10.15 in Christchurch (ITMC SF)
Last Taranaki win: Taranaki 24 Canterbury 21, 27.09.15 in Christchurch (ITMC)
Biggest Canterbury score: 51 (51-27), 20.10.12 in Christchurch (ITMC SF)
Biggest Taranaki score: 31 (31-20), 18.09.10 in New Plymouth (ITMC)
Biggest differential: Canterbury by 34 (43-9), 09.09.00 in New Plymouth (NPC)