Rugby: Taranaki sees off Northland in Shield challenge

Photo: John Velvin

In his 50^th match for Taranaki, fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens played a starring role as his side retained the Ranfurly Sheild in the opening round of the National Provincial Championship.

Taranaki were always in control of the match at Stadium Taranaki to beat Northland 23-3 on Saturday night.

While Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens did not score any of Taranaki’s three tries, he played an important role at the back for the home team.

His ability to find space and break the line was evident throughout the match.

He had plenty of touches during the match too, including making the last pass in all of Taranaki’s tries, scored by wing Vereniki Tikoisolomone, Josh Jacomb and Adam Lennox.

After the match, Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens said it was special to play in his milestone match.

“It was an awesome occasion to come back home in front of our people,” he said.

“It wasn’t the most prettiest occasion, we will take a gritty win. Who knows there might be 50 more.”

Northland barely penetrated Taranaki’s line and only managed a penalty kick to first-five Rivez Reihana.

Taranaki plays away to North Harbour next week, while their next defence of the Shield is in round four against Waikato.

Taranaki 23 (V Tikoisolomone, J Jacomb, A Lennox tries; J Jacomb con, 2 pen) Northland 3 (R Reihana). HT: 13-3.