Rep Rugby:

The Taranaki Hokioi (Development) side travelled to Taumaranui on Saturday and played the King Country Heartland team in a pre-season match.

Taranaki scored eight tries in their 55-14 win.

Game started with a minute silent in respect for losses in the King Country community and also the great Sir Brian Lochore. 

Winning the toss, captain Cole Blyde took the option to kick to start the game.  

Taranaki loose forward Tevita Fa'ukafa scored first for Taranaki three minutes into the match.

Straight after the first Taranaki try, a solid attack from King Country saw them reply with a converted try.

Both teams settled back into their attack and defence with both teams applying pressure at scrum time.

Taranaki then applied the pressure in the corner and hooker James Grogan scored with the conversion successful.

King Country replied with a solid effort and breaking down the Taranaki defence for another converted try.  

The third Taranaki try came from Shaan Waite with a strong break and speed to dot down.  

Changes after half time saw the team re-establish some strong defence and attack with solid tries  coming from fullback Brayton Northcott- Hill, Jamal Weir, Josh Setu, Iaasac Kneepkens and Liam Blyde scored a converted try on the final whistle to extend the dominate score.  

Solid efforts from Bulls representatives Jarrod Profit, Northcott-Hill, Lisati Milo-Harris and Asa Soravaki who all needed important game time for the benefits of the Development side and the Bulls.

Midfielder Josh Setu was the man of the match.

Article added: Sunday 11 August 2019