NORTHLAND

New Zealand’s most northern union has produced some great players over the decades, including Johnny Smith, the Going brothers, Ian Jones, Norm Berryman, and their most recent All Black, Jack Goodhue.

In recent times, a lack of consistency has seen plenty of up-and-down seasons for the Northland Taniwha but results have been improving with the team making the Championship play-offs in 2017 and 2018. Last season the Taniwha, under new head coach George Konia, went a step further to make the final against the Hawke’s Bay Magpies in Napier. With the game level 19–19 at halftime, it was anyone’s title but eventually the Magpies pushed ahead to win 36–24. It was the first national final for the Taniwha since their 1997 NPC second-division triumph. Konia says last season’s success was based on three fundamental principles: fitness, growing team culture, and growing leadership within the group. “Leading into this year, the key learning from last season was our belief that grew throughout the year and is still evolving and growing. “Just believing in ourselves that we are a team that can play good rugby. We want to continue doing that based on the foundation from last year.” The Taniwha have quality Super Rugby players in flanker Tom Robinson, midfielder/fullback Scott Gregory, lock Josh Goodhue, centre Rene Ranger and halfback Sam Nock to set the standards. “They bring a lot of experience back from their Super Rugby campaigns and are a great sounding board for us coaches as well,” says Konia. “They lead from the front and it is quite heartwarming how keen they are to come back and play for the Taniwha, contribute where they can and be leaders amongst the team.” Other quality players in the squad include flanker Kara Pryor, wingers Pisi Leilua, Jordan Hyland and Jone Macilai, who joined the Blues this year after four seasons with the Crusaders. There have also been some encouraging new signings ahead of the new campaign. Chiefs first-five Rivez Reihana made his name firstly at St Kentigern College (where he spent a remarkable five years in the First XV), then Waikato and this year’s campaign with the Chiefs. He is a Northland boy with silky skills and a liking to attack the line. He is a solid goalkicker and should form a top-class combination with Nock. Allan Craig made the 2020 New Zealand Secondary Schools and is a highly regarded, skillful lock. He previously captained Northland at Under-15 and Under-18 levels. Leka Tu'ungafasi, younger brother of All Black Ofa, is a powerhouse prop and should learn plenty playing next to hooker and captain Jordan Olsen, who was one of the best-performing players last season.

COACH: GEORGE KONIA CAPTAIN: JORDAN OLSEN HOME GROUND: SEMENOFF STADIUM, WHANGAREI WEBSITE: www.taniwha.co.nz TICKETS: www.eventfinda.co.nz ADDRESS: 50 KIOREROA ROAD, WHANGAREI PHONE: 09 438 4743 EMAIL: tash.m@northlandrugby.co.nz TAB ODDS: NORTHLAND $8.00