Taranaki will need that samurai spirit

Scan the names and it is difficult to understand how Taranaki have managed just one NPC win this season.

Most of those involved in last year's gallant campaign have returned but the magic of victory has disappeared, except the second-round win against Northland.

There have been three close defeats in succession and Taranaki need to use the form of their last-round conquerors, Southland, as the prescription for an upset today.

Taranaki play in a similar vein to Southland. They always play with great passion, they enjoy a decent slog in the forwards and marry that to a steady backline.

But against the unbeaten competition leaders Auckland in New Plymouth, they face a massive task.

Their mission for the entire game must be about denying the visitors any extra space and time.

Taranaki must defend relentlessly, they must sack Auckland behind the advantage line and create the sort of pressure where the opposition panic.

Auckland are guilty of conceding points but they have the most lethal attack so far in the NPC and back themselves to score from anywhere.

Men such as Isa Nacewa, Tony Koonwaiyou, Ben Atiga and Tasesa Lavea are always looking to create tries but that impulse can also be counter-productive.

If the Taranaki pack can get into the game and into the Aucklanders, if Paul Tito, Andrew Hore and Chris Masoe can bend the visitors, then the local halves of Craig Fevre and Sam Young have to dictate the match rhythm.

If they kick they have to find touch or take a strong chasing line to Auckland. Anything less will invite a menacing counter-attack.

There were hints last week, against Waikato, that Auckland were coming to grips with their strategies. They lowered their error rates, they were prepared to work through some phases before they went for the jugular, they got their tight five attending to their work.

Auckland's scrum was solid while Derren Witcombe connected better with Brad Mika, Kurtis Haiu and other lineout targets.

In today's rare afternoon game, they will want to break down the Taranaki core first before they use their attacking instincts. The pace, agility and loose-forward combination of Daniel Braid, Justin Collins and Angus Macdonald should be too potent for Taranaki.

If that transpires, Taranaki may feel more heat than they expect.

* New Plymouth 2.35pm today

Taranaki

James Hilgendorf
Sailosi Tagicakibau
Matt Harvey
Lifeimi Mafi
Scott Ireland
Sam Young
Craig Fevre
Chris Masoe
Joe Lawn
J. Willis/S. Breman
Jason Eaton
Paul Tito (c)
Gordon Slater
Andrew Hore
Tony Penn

Auckland

Brent Ward
Isa Nacewa
Ben Atiga
Sam Tuitupou
Tony Koonwaiyou
Tasesa Lavea
Taniela Moa
Angus Macdonald
Daniel Braid
Justin Collins (c)
Kurtis Haiu
Brad Mika
John Afoa
Derren Witcombe
Nick White

Taranaki: Lawrence Corlett, Hamish Mitchell, Scott Breman/Brendon McGlashan, Tomasi Soqeta, Andrew Suniula, Todd Feather, James King.

Auckland: John Meredith, Saimone Taumoepeau, Bryce Williams, Cam Jowitt, Steve Devine, Isaia Toeava, Gavin Williams.