Rugby: Taranaki All Black returns for BOP clash

Will Johnston 

All Black Josh Lord will return to Taranaki’s line-up against Bay of Plenty on Saturday afternoon in Tauranga. 

Lord is one of 12 All Blacks released to play for their provincial unions in round six of the Bunnings national provincial championship.  

Desperate for game time, the lock will immediately make a start for Taranaki in his first domestic match of the season. 

Lord has made a gradual return to rugby after he suffered a knee injury while playing for the Chiefs in March. He missed the rest of the Super Rugby season and the tests against England but returned for two matches against Argentina last month. He has competed with rookie lock Sam Darry ever since during the Rugby championship.  

There’s still no sign of fullback Stephen Perofeta, who is still carrying a calf niggle. 

Lord’s return boosts the side as Neil Barnes welcomes back several players from injury. 

Wing Kini Naholo, midfielder Meihana Grindlay and halfback Logan Crowley all return to the lineup. It will be Crowley’s first appearance for the season after a shoulder injury in the pre-season saw him sidelined. He will come off the bench in place of Leone Nawai.  

Prop Reuben O’Neill returns after a four-week suspension and will make a start.  

While lock Fiti Sa was injured in the dying stages of the 25-19 win against Waikato on Sunday, he retains his starting position. His brother Jayden, who proved his worth off the bench, remains in the reserves.  

Mitch O’Neill and Michael Loft will play in their 20th (blazer) match.  

Despite having a better win-loss record, Taranaki sits two points behind Bay of Plenty in fifth place. Bay of Plenty has won four of their six matches.  

Lord’s All Blacks teammate Pasilio Tosi is available for the Steamers.   

Kick off is at 2:05pm. 

Taranaki team to play Bay of Plenty: 

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Josh Setu, Meihana Grindlay, Daniel Rona, Kini Naholo, Josh Jacomb, Adam Lennox, Arese Poliko, Michael Loft, Bradley Slater (C), Josh Lord, Fiti Sa, Reuben O’Neill, Ricky Riccitelli, Mitch O’Neill. Reserves: JJ Pokai, Perry Lawrence, Michael Bent, Jayden Sa, AJ Lemalu, Logan Crowley, Jayson Potroz, Vereniki Tikoisolomone.