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Air NZ Cup Preview: Tasman v Taranaki

July 29 2009

The 2009 Air New Zealand Cup's opening match between Tasman and Taranaki will kick-off under Thursday night lights at Lansdowne Park in Blenheim.

The Makos begin their hunt for survival in the country's premier competition following the New Zealand Rugby Union's (NZRU) decision to cut the fourteen-team tournament to ten next year, with Tasman's head already on the chopping block before the championship has even kicked off.

It won't be an easy start for coaches Bevan Cadwallader and Kieran Keane against an Amber and Blacks side brimming with confidence following promising pre-season outings that saw the 'Naki post wins over Manawatu and Bay of Plenty, before narrowly losing to semi-final contenders Hawke's Bay and Waikato.

Tasman too should not be taken for granted having pushed Otago all the way, eventually succumbing to a 32-33 defeat. Embarrassing soft tries in the first and 78th minute were the disappointing features of an entertaining match that also produced plenty of positives for Tasman.

Each team scored five tries but the Makos looked significantly more creative around the park.

While the result meant nothing, Keane and Cadwallader will be disappointed they did not get a momentum-building win.

On paper, Taranaki have the stronger side but will be well aware of last year's result where they went down 33-23 to the Makos after a dismal second-half performance and know the host union will be wanting to start with a win at home.

The only player in doubt for the visitors is winger Nathan Hohaia, who missed training because of the flu. A decision on his fitness will be made on Wednesday before the team fly out. If he is ruled out, Australian Sevens player Ed Jenkins will get his first start for Taranaki, with Manu Samoan representative Esera Lauina joining the side on the bench.

New Zealand sevens player Ben Souness has been given the nod on the openside flank ahead of Chris Walker, while Leon Power starts at lock ahead of Nemia Soqeta.

Prediction: First hit-outs of the season are always tricky to predict. But we going for the Taranaki to get their 2009 campaign off to a winning start. The 'Naki to win by six points.

The teams:

Tasman: 15 Robbie Malneek, 14 James Kamana, 13 Kade Poki, 12 Afeleki Pelenise, 11 Andrew Goodman (c),10 James Marshall, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 Mark Bright, 7 Jonathan Poff, 6 Dan Hyatt, 5 Joseph Wheeler, 4 James Foster, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Daniel Perrin, 1 Tristan Moran.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Sakaria Taulafo, 18 Daniel Crichton, 19 Zane Winslade, 20 Shaun Begg, 21 Matty James, 22 Blair Cook.

Taranaki: 15 Ace Malo, 14 Nathan Hohaia, 13 Willie Rickards, 12 Shayne Austin, 11 Jayden Hayward, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Brett Goodin, 8 Jarrad Hoeata, 7 Ben Souness, 6 Johnny Willis, 5 Craig Clarke, 4 Leon Power, 3 Shane Cleaver, 2 Laurence Corlett, 1 Tony Penn (c).
Replacements: 16 James Hinchco, 17 Michael Bent, 18 Nemia Soqeta, 19 Chris Walker, 20 Kylem O'Donnell, 21 Jack Cameron, 22 Ed Jenkins.

Venue: Lansdowne Park, Blenheim

Kick-off: 19:35 (07:35 GMT)

Referee: Garratt Williamson