Walden to captain Yarrows Taranaki against Auckland

Yarrows Taranaki Bulls midfielder Teihorangi Walden has been handed the captaincy in the crucial Mitre 10 Cup match against Auckland tonight in New Plymouth.

Walden captains the team for the second time, after lock Mitch Brown suffered a concussion in Sunday’s loss to Waikato and was unavailable for selection.

The 26-year-old said he was looking forward to the opportunity to lead his province in the final match of the regular season.

“It’s an honour to lead any team and something I’m proud of, but nothing really changes for me. I pride myself on my leadership and my vocal presence on the field.”

Taranaki’s semifinal berth is not guaranteed, something Walden is aware of.

“We are treating this game as a quarterfinal and we definitely have a point to prove against a quality Auckland team. We have the squad to get the job done, we just have to be ruthless with our intent and execute our plans under pressure. We are all very excited and up for the challenge ahead.”

Not only will Walden captain the side, but he also earns his 20^th game for Taranaki after moving home from Otago at the beginning of last year.

If Taranaki loses, they will have to rely on Counties Manukau to beat Manawatu on Saturday afternoon in Palmerston North.

Head coach Willie Rickards has made two changes to the forward pack that includes a first start for lock Josh Lord. Lord, who replaces Brown, played a key role for the Taranaki in the Sir Michael Jones Trophy final at the Jock Hobbs Memorial U19 tournament in September.

The combination of Lord and fellow lock Tupou Vaa’i is a taste of Taranaki’s future.

Flanker Kaylum Boshier earns a start over Tom Florence, who drops back to the bench.

There has been a shuffle in the backline, with Jackson Ormond ruled out due to injury. That gives regular fullback Jayson Potroz an opportunity on the wing and Daniel Waite off the bench to fullback.

Liam Blyde will make an appearance as a back reserve for the fourth time.  

Rickards acknowledges that the match is vital building into a potential championship semi-final.

“We weren’t good enough against Waikato last week and know the areas to improve on. Auckland are a quality side and have a lot of threat across the park.”

The Bulls will be wearing pink socks in support of Women’s Refuge.

The Taranaki U18 will host Auckland U18 in the curtain-raiser kicking off at 5pm.

Yarrows Taranaki Bulls to play Auckland, Yarrow Stadium, Friday 11 October, 7.35pm

1.      Chris Gawler (20 caps)

2.      Ricky Riccitelli (25)

3.      Donald Brighouse (8)

4.      Tupou Vaa’i (8)

5.      Josh Lord (3)

6.      Heiden Bedwell-Curtis (8)

7.      Kaylum Boshier (9)

8.      Pita Gus Sowakula (23)

9.      Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (40)

10.  Stephen Perofeta (31)

11.  Jayson Potroz (12)

12.  Teihorangi Walden (19)

13.  Sean Wainui (42)

14.  Waisake Naholo (43)

15.  Daniel Waite (15)

Reserves:

16.  Bradley Slater (7)

17.  Jared Proffit (31)

18.  Kyle Stewart (14)

19.  Tom Florence (17)

20.  Lachlan Boshier (37)

21.  Lisati Milo-Harris (7)

22.  Matty McKenzie (5)

23.  Liam Blyde (3)

Unavailable for selection: Reuben O’Neill (ankle), Leighton Price (concussion), Mitch Brown (concussion), Jesse Parete (concussion), Regan Verney (concussion), Jackson Ormond (knee), 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: 127, 1889-2018.

Taranaki wins: 30, Auckland wins: 88, Draws: 9.

Last match: Auckland 31 Taranaki 30 in New Plymouth 22.09.2018 (M10C)

Last Taranaki win: Taranaki 49 Auckland 38 in Auckland 9.09.2017 (M10C)

Highest score Taranaki: 49 in New Plymouth 17.10.2014 (ITMC CSF, aet) and 49 in Auckland 9.09.2017 (M10C)

Highest score Auckland: 55 in Auckland 31.08.1991 (RS, NPC)

Biggest differential: Auckland by 46 (55-9) in Auckland 31.08.1991 (RS, 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

Week 5: v Otago L 35-27 (RS)

Week 6: v Bay of Plenty L 31-17

Week 7: v Hawkes Bay L 35-17

Week 8: v Southland W 19-0

Week 9: v Waikato L 38-19

Week 10: v Auckland (New Plymouth)