TARANAKI

There was no doubt who the best side in the land was in last season’s NPC.

The Taranaki Bulls easily won the Championship division and were the only Premiership or Championship side to win all eight games, including the prized scalp of Premiership winners Waikato. Head coach Neil Barnes returned after six seasons as an assistant coach at the Chiefs. He got the very best out of a squad that was bristling with quality Super Rugby players and some of the country’s best up-and-coming talent. The Bulls played an exciting brand of rugby that ignited the senses and made supporters throughout the country sit-up and take notice. Expect more of the same in 2022, plus a few changes that the coaching squad hopes will improve the team from last year. “I am proud of the management and the players to break away from the way the game has been played of late,” says Barnes. “We seem to have this game where no-one is prepared to have a crack, all playing a safety game, box kicking and not expressing themselves. I’d rather die trying to play positive rugby than resort to risk-free, boring rugby that no-one really wants to be a part of.” Taranaki have again gone with influential co-captains Mitch Brown and Teihorangi Walden. The team will be well led and can expect to get more than their fair share of quality, front-foot ball from a tough, mobile forward pack. The strong family connection at the Bulls continues with halfback Logan Crowley and hooker Bradley Slater again set to be the key drivers in the team. New Zealand Under-20s winger/fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens is a quality finisher and gained further experience with the Blues in this year’s Super Rugby Pacific. Fiji-born Chiefs winger Kini Naholo showed he is regaining some of his dazzling form last season after overcoming two years of serious leg injuries. Openside flanker Kaylum Boshier should dominate at this level after showing promise for the Chiefs. He is adept at winning turn-over ball and needs a good run free from injuries. The big news off the field is the return to playing three home games at Yarrow Stadium. The home fortress has been undergoing a $50 million refurbishment after the two main grandstands were declared earthquake-prone and closed in 2017 and 2018. A new East Stand is set to be finished in 2024 with the West Stand expected to be ready for the visit of Waikato on September 3. The opening two home games of the NPC season will be played at Pukekura Park. Last year, the Bulls played at the iconic cricket ground for the first time since 1945.

BRADLEY SLATER was a key part of TARANAKI’s success last season.

COACH: NEIL BARNES HOME GROUND: PUKEKURA PARK, YARROW STADIUM TICKETS: www.iticket.co.nz ADDRESS: PO BOX 5004, NEW PLYMOUTH PHONE: 06 759 0167 WEBSITE: www.trfu.co.nz EMAIL: info@trfu.co.nz