Fijian international Sisa Koyamaibole has been rushed into the Taranaki starting XV for Friday night's NPC first division rugby match against Waikato in Hamilton. The big No 8 will start in the season opener after Tomasi Soqeta injured his shoulder in last Friday's pre-season match against Canterbury and was ruledout yesterday.
Koyamaibole, who played for Counties-Manukau last season, played half a game for Taranaki B against a Manawatu XV in Palmerston North on Saturday.
His arrival in Taranaki, after playing for Fiji in the World Cup qualifying series, was timely, as key loose forward Chris Masoe was also ruled out yesterday.
Hurricanes flanker Masoe injured an eye socket against Canterbury and will miss the first two NPC rounds.
"Chris is definitely out of the Waikato match and he will probably miss the Northland game as well," Taranaki coach Kieran Crowley said after training.
"We're hopeful he will be back for the game against Bay of Plenty.
"Tomasi should be right for Northland."
Masoe's place on the openside flank has been filled by Joe Lawn, with Hurricanes prop Tony Penn returning after missing pre-season games against Wellington and Canterbury with a calf injury.
In the backs, Todd Feather will start at first five-eighths ahead of Sam Young, and Scott Ireland retains his spot on the wing, with Chiefs player Sailosi Tagicakibau still recovering from a leg injury.
Taranaki: James Hilgendorf, Scott Ireland, Mark Stewart, Lifeimi Mafi, Orisi Belau, Todd Feather, Craig Fevre, Sisa Koyamaibole, Joe Lawn, John Willis, Jason Eaton, Paul Tito (captain), Gordon Slater, Andrew Hore, Tony Penn. Reserves: Laurence Corlett, Hamish Mitchell, Brendon McGlashan, Scott Breman, Andrew Suniula, Brendon Watt, James King.
