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Perofeta returns to Yarrows Taranaki Bulls against Tasman

Stephen Perofeta will make his return off the bench for the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls against Tasman on Sunday. Photo: Rob Tucker

MEDIA RELEASE
30 August 2019

After nearly 12 months sitting on the sidelines, Yarrows Taranaki Bulls first five-eighth Stephen Perofeta will make his return to the side when they take on Tasman in a cross-over match at Yarrow Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

Perofeta, who last played for Taranaki in week seven of last year’s Mitre 10 Cup against North Harbour on 29 September, injured his shoulder during the match which withdrew him from the remainder of the season.   

The 22-year-old is looking forward to his return for Taranaki against the Mako off the bench.

“It’s great being back with the Bulls, especially against a promising looking Tasman side. I feel my recovery has gone well and can’t wait to wear the jersey in front of our home fans”.

Perofeta said it has been difficult watching the Bulls from the sideline but said the feel in the camp is positive and upbeat.

Coach Willie Rickards has only made three changes to his starting XV that beat Northland 52-19 in New Plymouth last weekend. The Bulls scored eight tries – which equals the record for the highest number of tries scored against the Taniwha.

Prop Kyle Stewart makes his first start of the season and replaces Donald Brighouse, who injured his sternum on Sunday.

No.8 Pita Gus Sowakula has been ruled out with injury and Rickards has made a shuffle to the loose forward trio. Tom Florence moves off the bench to blindside flanker and Kaylum Boshier moves to No.8.

Lukas Halls will make his Taranaki debut in place of Kini Naholo, who left the field early last week with a hamstring injury.

As well as Perofeta, hooker Bradley Slater returns to the Bulls after recovering from concussion sustained in a pre-season match. He joins prop Asaeli Sorovaki and potential debutant and loose forward Johnny Faletagoa’i-Malase on the bench.

While head coach Willie Rickards was positive about last weekend’s performance, he is under no illusions how tough Tasman will be on Sunday.

“Tasman are a quality side and have made a point in the premiership division. We have a great history with Tasman and we’re looking forward to playing them again at home this weekend.”

Rickards said the players are tracking well this season and thanked those who supported the side at home last weekend.

Both Tasman and Taranaki sit on top of the premiership and championship tables respectively on 14 points each.

In response to spectator feedback, the Taranaki Rugby Football Union has removed the southern marquee, known as ‘Cockies Corner’, so fans now have full view of the field.

Yarrows Taranaki Bulls to play Tasman, Sunday 1 September, Yarrow Stadium 4:35pm:

  1. Reuben O’Neill (33 caps)
  2. Ricky Riccitelli (20)
  3. Kyle Stewart (8)
  4. Tupou Vaa’i (6)
  5. Mitch Brown (30) (c)
  6. Tom Florence (11)
  7. Lachlan Boshier (34)
  8. Kaylum Boshier (4)
  9. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (36)
  10. Daniel Waite (10)
  11. Lukas Halls*
  12. Teihorangi Walden (13)
  13. Sean Wainui (38)
  14. Waisake Naholo (37)
  15. Jayson Potroz (6)

Reserves:

  1. Bradley Slater (1)
  2. Chris Gawler (14)
  3. Asaeli Sorovaki (7)
  4. Leighton Price (27)
  5. Johnny Faletagoa’i-Malase*
  6. Lisati Milo-Harris (1)
  7. Matty McKenzie*
  8. Stephen Perofeta (25)

*denotes debut

Unavailable for selection due to injury: Donald Brighouse (sternum), Heiden Bedwell-Curtis (cheekbone), Jesse Parete (leg), Pita Gus Sowakula (quad) Regan Verney (hamstring), Kini Naholo (hamstring), Jackson Ormond (Achilles) and Brayton Northcott-Hill (shoulder).

Unavailable for the season: Manasa Mataele (knee) and Fin Hoeata (shoulder).

Stat Chat:

Played: 17, 2006-18.
Taranaki wins: 10, Tasman wins: 7.
Last match: Tasman 53 Taranaki 17 in Nelson 14.09.2018 (M10C)
Last Taranaki win: Taranaki 40 Tasman 26 in New Plymouth 28.09.2017 (M10C)
Highest score Taranaki: 49 in New Plymouth 1.09.2012 (ITMC, RS)
Highest score Tasman: 53 in Nelson 14.09.2018 (M10C)
Biggest differential: Tasman by 36 (53-17) in Nelson 14.09.2018 (M10C)

Results:

Week 1: v Counties Manukau w 34-29
Week 2: v Manawatu w 13-10
Week 3: v Northland w 52-19

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact;

Will Johnston

TRFU Communications Advisor

0273 48 38 31

will@trfu.co.nz


Article added: Friday 30 August 2019

 

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