Rugby: Boshier returns for final repeat

Will Johnston 

Photo by: John Velvin

Taranaki captain Kaylum Boshier will return to his side in the repeat of last year’s National Provincial Championship final against Hawke’s Bay in Napier on Friday night.  

The Chiefs loose forward has been sidelined after suffering a concussion against Otago in Dunedin in round three.  

Bradley Slater took over the captaincy in the interim, but Boshier will regain the honour when he returns to the run-on 15.  

Boshier will have fond memories playing Hawke’s Bay. In October last year, Boshier proudly lifted the competition trophy after beating the Magpies 22-19 in front of 13,000 fans at Yarrow Stadium.  

The match won't be a Ranfurly Shield match as Tasman snatched the prize off the Magpies a fortnight ago with a last-minute penalty kick. However, Taranaki could challenge for the Shield should Tasman survive against Auckland next weekend. 

While Boshier returns, others have been added to Taranaki’s injury list.  

Promising lock Fiti Sa has been ruled out of the season after he dislocated his shoulder in the 33-19 loss to Bay of Plenty on Saturday. Meihana Grindlay returned during the match from injury, but suffered a knee complaint and will miss Friday’s match.  

It means one of club rugby’s top performers Brayton Northcott-Hill has a timely entry into the starting 15 and will play in his first match of the season after a shoulder issue kept him out of action.  

Because Josh Lord wasn’t picked by All Black selectors for the first Bledisloe Cup match of the year on Saturday night, he retains his place in the second row. His selection eases the pressure on the locking department as Jesse Parete (groin) and Jackson Morgan (shoulder) are unavailable for this week. Lord will be joined by Jayden Sa, who earns his first start.  

There was a late reshuffle to the backline with Josh Setu out due to illness bringing Ethan Reti into the playing 23.  

There will be plenty of impact to come off the bench, with Ricky Riccitelli, Michael Bent, Logan Crowley and Jayson Potroz all named.   

All Black Stephen Perofeta has been training with the squad all week, but there is still no timeframe on his return to play.  

Josh Jacomb will play in his 20th match for the province.  

Hawke’s Bay suffered a 50-5 loss to Waikato in Hamilton on Saturday night and suffered several injuries in the match. 

Taranaki: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepekens, Vereniki Tikoisolomone, Brayton Northcott-Hill, Daniel Rona, Kini Naholo, Josh Jacomb, Adam Lennox, Kaylum Boshier (C), Michael Loft, Arese Poliko, Josh Lord, Jayden Sa, Reuben O’Neill, Bradley Slater, Mitch O’Neill. Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Perry Lawrence, Michael Bent, Rowan Slater, AJ Lemalu, Logan Crowley, Ethan Reti, Jayson Potroz.