NORTHLAND

Northland Taniwha had to settle for a disappointing result last year, with just one win all season. This followed what had been their best season in years when they went all the way to the 2020 final against Hawke’s Bay.

But that one win in 2021 came against Premiership champions Waikato and was yet another example of what the Taniwha are capable of if all the various team factors click together. Head coach George Konia has to deal with the loss of three notable players not pulling on the famous Cambridge blue jersey this campaign. Regular captain and Canada international Jordan Olsen has made himself unavailable for NPC rugby due to work and family commitments. The hard-working hooker’s accurate lineout throwing and leadership will be missed.

COACH: GEORGE KONIA 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 Veteran wing/fullback Jordan Hyland has retired and is now a Northland Rugby board member, while Highlanders utility back Scott Gregory is another non-starter for family reasons. But there is always plenty of talent to choose from coming through the Northland Academy and the addition of some quality players will help fill the gaps. Tighthead prop Chris Apoua is a huge signing in more ways than one, with the former Southland representative proving his credentials after making five appearances for Moana Pasifika in the Super Rugby Pacific competition. Irish prop Conán O’Donnell, who has played for Counties Manukau and the Highlanders, Ross Wright and Coree Te Whata-Colley add size and strength to the front-row stocks. Māori All Blacks and Hurricanes outside back Josh Moorby arrives from Southland. He could be one of the signings of the year. The 23-year-old lit up Super Rugby Pacific, scoring nine tries in his debut season including a hat trick against Fiji Drua. Former captain and hooker Matt Moulds is back to add to his 54 games for the Taniwha. He has played in England and more recently in Major League Rugby in the United States. Skilful halfback Lisati Milo-Harris, son of former Northland coach Richie Harris, was part of the Blues campaign earlier this year. The nucleus of the Northland squad is made up of evergreen midfielder Rene Ranger, Highlanders lock Sam Caird, and Blues players Sam Nock, Josh Goodhue, Tamati Tua and Tom Robinson. First-five Rivez Reihana looked comfortable at Super Rugby level with his performances for the Chiefs this year. His ability to run the cutter with some class will be invaluable for the Taniwha. The 22-year-old grew up in Northland before making his name during five years in the First XV with St Kentigern College in Auckland, then at NPC level with Waikato before shifting to play for Northland last year. Another positive acquisition is former Northland representative Marty Veale who is joining Konia as an assistant coach. Veale has just coached Rugby New York to their first Major League Rugby title in the United States.