The Yarrows Taranaki Bulls have been strengthened by the return of several key players for the Ranfurly Shield match against Otago in Dunedin on Sunday afternoon.

The match comes almost a year to the day since Taranaki lost the famous log of wood to Waikato at Yarrow Stadium. 

Super XV loose forwards Heiden Bedwell-Curtis and Pita Gus Sowakula return to the run-on side for the championship match at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Bedwell-Curtis has recovered from cheekbone surgery which took place after the side’s 13-10 win over Manawatu, while Sowakula has overcome a minor injury sustained in Taranaki’s victory against Northland at home a fortnight ago.

In addition, prop Daniel Brighouse returns to the side after missing last weekend’s 28-18 loss to Tasman due to a sternum injury. However, Reuben O’Neill has not recovered fully from an ankle injury picked up in the first half of last Sunday’s match and has been ruled out. His place has gone to sinewy Coastal loosehead, Chris Gawler.

Other changes to the starting side sees Jesse Parete, who injured his leg the previous week, and halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi both selected.

After coming off the bench in the first half last week, Stephen Perofeta starts at first five-eighth. That sees Daniel Waite, Teihorangi Walden and Sean Wainui all move out one spot each, with a knee injury denying Lukas Halls the opportunity of selection.

Notable changes on the bench, sees wing Jackson Ormond, after recovering from injury, and Jared Proffit, who could play his first match of the season if required.

Head coach Willie Rickards said: “Otago have been impressive at home, their high skill set, and passion has been evident in their shield defenses, they are a quality side.”

2010 was the last time Taranaki played in Dunedin. But that was at Carisbrook and this will be the first time playing under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium.  Taranaki’s most acclaimed victory in Dunedin occurred in 1957 when the Jack Paterson-coached side claimed the Shield 11-9.

Heading into the match, Taranaki sits in third place on the championship table with 14 points and Otago are in fourth position on 10 points.

Yarrows Taranaki Bulls side to play Otago, September 8, 4:35pm;

1. Chris Gawler (15 caps)
2. Ricky Riccitelli (21)
3. Donald Brighouse (3)
4. Jesse Parete (26)
5. Mitch Brown (c) (31)
6. Heiden Bedwell-Curtis (3)
7. Lachlan Boshier (35)
8. Pita Gus Sowakula (18)
9. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (36)
10. Stephen Perofeta (26)
11. Sean Wainui (39)
12. Daniel Waite (11)
13. Teihorangi Walden (14)
14. Waisake Naholo (38)
15. Jayson Potroz (7)

Reserves:

16. Bradley Slater (2)
17. Kyle Stewart (9)
18. Jared Proffit (26)
19. Kaylum Boshier (5)
20. Tom Florence (12)
21. Lisati Milo-Harris (2)
22. Matt McKenzie (1)
23. Jackson Ormond (60)

Unavailable for selection due to injury: Reuben O’Neill (ankle), Regan Verney (hamstring), Kini Naholo (hamstring), Lukas Halls (knee) and Brayton Northcott-Hill (shoulder).

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

Stat Chat:

Played: 58, 1896-2015. Otago wins: 30, Taranaki wins: 26, Draws: 2.

Last match: Otago 34 Taranaki 27 in New Plymouth 29.08.2015 (ITMC)

Last Taranaki win: Taranaki 25 Otago 15 in Dunedin 26.08.2010 (ITMC)

Highest score Otago: 80 in New Plymouth 6.10.1996 (NPC)

Highest score Taranaki: 38 in New Plymouth 3.10.2009 (ITMC)

Biggest differential: Otago by 50 (58-8) in Dunedin 22.09.1990 (NPC)

Results:

Week 1: v Counties Manukau W 34-29

Week 2: v Manawatu W 13-10

Week 3: v Northland W 52-19

Week 4: v Tasman L 28-18

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact;

David Ormrod

Taranaki Bulls Manager

David.ormrod@trfu.co.nz

020 4024 3754

Article added: Friday 06 September 2019