Swatting aside weakened Hawke's Bay and North Harbour lineups is one thing - now the Bay of Plenty Steamers pack will be asked the tough questions as the side to take on Ranfurly Shield holders Taranaki in the opening round of the ITM Cup provincial premiership tomorrow was rolled out
Rugby: Taranaki tough task to tackle
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There's a strong strand of thought that the teams likely to do the most damage in this season's ITM Cup are the ones with experience in key positions. By that count, Taranaki should again be pushing for for the top in the premier division, with coach Colin Cooper putting together the most experienced squad across the competition - the seven-team premier and championship divisions.
The loss of former Samoa captain Mahonri Schwalger hit Taranaki hard but Cooper has veteran hooker Laurence Corlett to fill the gap.
Chiefs prop Shane Cleaver's uncertain playing future because of ongoing concussion issues has been off-set by the arrival of Highlanders prop Chris King, who incredibly had been contemplating a season on the sidelines with cash-strapped Southland unable to find the bucks to contract him.
King is likely to team with Ireland-bound prop Michael Bent this weekend, with Bent hardly used by Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett during the Super rugby season.
It's in the second row where Taranaki's riches shine brightest, with Cooper calling on the Hurricanes pair of Jason Eaton and James Broadhurst, while Chiefs captain Craig Clarke will be available when he recovers from his knee injury. Throw in Jarrad Hoeata, who could also be used on the blindside or No 8, as well as Kane Barrett and Taranaki doesn't lack quality ball winners.
Another former All Black, openside flanker Scott Waldrom, will be itching for some minutes after being mostly used to hold the tackle bags by the title-winning Chiefs in Super Rugby.
Tyson Keats' departure to Italy has been offset by the arrival of Hurricanes halfback Chris Smylie, who should give All Black Beauden Barrett quick ball, with Barrett last year in stunning form for Taranaki, literally kicking Bay of Plenty off Yarrow Stadium when the sides met in the ITM Cup competition.
Outside Barrett, Cooper has an an embarrassment of riches with Jayden Hayward, Kurt Baker and All Black-in-waiting Andre Taylor itching to rack up the tries, something Taranaki struggled with in 2011 as they secured only two four-try bonus points, something which eventually cost them a spot in the final.
BOP Steamers
Greg Pleasants-Tate, Dan Perrin, Tristan Moran, Culum Retallick, Leon Power, Warren Lippi-Smith, Luke Braid, Carl Axtens, Jamie Nutbrown (capt), Chris Noakes, Jack Wilson, Phil Burleigh, Mafi Kefu, Lelia Masaga, Kendrick Lynn.
Reserves: John Pareanga, Mike Kainga, Keepa Mewett, Tanerau Latimer, Lewis Hancock, Nick McCashin, Lance MacDonald.