Rugby: Taranaki bring a proud record

By WYNNE GRAY

Auckland v Taranaki

Amber-and-black condemnation of Auckland has been consistent and justified since rugby went professional.

Three times in those four seasons Taranaki have been victorious over Auckland, including their superb Ranfurly Shield win in 1996.

Forget the excuses about Auckland playing without their All Blacks or being caught cold - the records show they did not match up.

It provoked great mirth from those down New Plymouth way and helped to generate much of the passion which has returned to the NPC in recent seasons.

No matter what your allegiance, if an unfancied side tips over a favourite there is a certain rugby magnetism about that result. But there is more to admire about Taranaki than their record. The up-and-at-'em, boisterous forward play, backed by some inventive backline moves, is often a warming spectacle.

Success for unions outside the Super 12 franchises is part of the NPC magic. Taranaki may not have the most skill but they have all the courage which All Black coach Wayne Smith admires.

It has been that way with Taranaki since their 42-39 Ranfurly Shield win, followed by their 19-18 win the next year and the 31-19 victory the year after. It seemed almost an abberation last season when Taranaki lost by a point in New Plymouth.

The run of results has given many Taranaki supporters more vocal power, perhaps at the expense of better judgment. Unconditional parochial support is to be appreciated, with the great provincial rugby traits of humour, humility and honour.

There is much to admire about those who lauded three-try hero Dean Magon as an All Black rather than Eroni Clarke in 1996, or reckoned Jason Holland psyched out Carlos Spencer the next year with his sledging.

Who knows how much of Taranaki's success against Auckland helped Jed Rowlands' appointment with the Blues?

However, we can look at two teams tonight at Eden Park who have just two All Blacks between them. Craig Dowd and Doug Howlett are both with Auckland, the union which also serves as the base for the Blues franchise.

The advantage should be with the home side, but this is not a start to the defence of their NPC title they will feel comfortable about.

Nor should they, according to one regular communicator with the Herald. Neil Brew, he writes, reminds him of a young Frank Bunce, Paul Tito is taking on the Andy Slater tough-as-teak role, Tama Tuirirangi's "fiery temperament would be ideal in France," while Dawson Tamati is up with the best in the country.

Foolishly, Tuirirangi's hot temper removed him from this game, while Tamati is injured, but our correspondent reckons Taranaki still deserve more All Blacks than their city cousins.

Auckland have lost both their trial games, while Taranaki have had some practice-match form. The post-match discussion should be worth the entrance fee.