Crowley putting roots aside
Thursday, Sep 16 2021
Will Johnston
Leo Crowley will put his native allegiances aside on Saturday.
After a long association with Taranaki rugby, Crowley is in his second year as Wellington’s head coach. His side will play Taranaki when the national provincial championship restarts in Inglewood.
He had three stints as Taranaki’s assistant coach, first under Adrian Kennedy until 2009, Colin Cooper in 2010 and Willie Rickards in 2018 before taking the assistant’s role in the capital.
Crowley had spells with Tasman, the Melbourne Rebels and was Canada’s assistant coach under brother, Kieran. Ironically, he coached with Saturday’s opposition coach Neil Barnes in Canada.
“I had a lot of time with Barnsey for a World Cup. It’s the first time we’ve clashed on opposite sides,” he said before the competition restarts.
“Both of us are probably more determined this weekend.”
It will be the first time Crowley plays his former team as head coach after previously playing the amber and blacks while assisting Tasman.
He admits there are nerves because of the respect he has for Barnes.
“He’s proven it with the Chiefs and they are going to turn up ready to go.”
The Wellington players also know there's more riding on the match because former Taranaki forwards coach Paul Tito is assisting Crowley.
Even his nephew, Logan, will play against his uncle at halfback.
“It is a weird feeling, I know how good some of these players from Taranaki are, it has you on edge,” Crowley said.
Adding to the Taranaki connections, former Francis Douglas Memorial College flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi will play for the Lions.
He said Taranaki had a great start to the season and recruited well including the addition of returning players.
“Most teams this year have one or two older boys back in the environment because players have come back from overseas. Having Michael Bent come back and couple of the emerging players in Taranaki, it’s going to be a good game.”
He said there is no real different between the top half of the premiership and championship.
“Anyone can beat anyone.”
It’s been an impressive return from lockdown for Wellington. Nine players set personal bests after fitness testing on the first day back.
“We’re really happy with the commitment of this group.”
While Logan returns from injury for Taranaki, there were hopes regular captain Mitch Brown also made a comeback. Instead, he and Lachlan Boshier remain missing.
Stratford/Eltham lock Scott Jury will make his debut off the bench.
Kick-off is at 2:05pm.
Yarrows Taranaki Bulls: Stephen Perofeta, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Daniel Waite, Teihorangi Walden ©, Kini Naholo, Jayson Potroz, Logan Crowley, Pita Gus Sowakula, Tom Florence, Mitchell Crosswell, Fin Hoeata, Josh Lord, Michael Bent, Bradley Slater, Reuben O’Neill. Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Jared Proffit, Kyle Stewart, Scott Jury, Mill Sanerivi, Liam Blyde, Daniel Rona, Vereniki Tikoisolomone.
Wellington Lions: Ruben Love, Wes Goosen, Vince Aso, Brandyn Lauresen, Pepesana Patafilo, Aidan Morgan, Richard Judd, Keelan Whitman, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Taine Plumtree, Caleb Delaney, James Blackwell ©, Alex Fidow, Tyrone Thompson, Xavier Numai. Reserves: Bruce Kauika-Petersen, Vince Sakaria, Pekahou Cowan, Sam Smith, Connor Collins, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Tmasi Alosio.