All Black's baby brother proves he's not just a flat-track bully
Taranaki have held onto the Ranfurly Shield in their first defence of the year, but more important – they unearthed another Naholo that torments defences.
The result was never in doubt, as the Bulls thrashed Poverty Bay 78-0 at Tikorangi Domain north of New Plymouth on Saturday.
Latu Vaeno led the scoring with a hat-trick, while Kiniviliame Naholo – brother of All Black Waisake – shined on the wing, adding two tries of his own.
Kiniviliame Naholo might even be quicker than his All Black brother Waisake Naholo.
Given Naholo scored 40 tries in 20 games for Hastings Boys’ High School’s first XV last year, his nose for the line had already made headlines.
However, lighting up a Heartland Championship team at Tikorangi Domain was proof he’s more than simply a schoolboy bully.
He beat four defenders with multiple steps for his first five-pointer, before he gassed the opposition from 45 metres out for his second, a burst which included an eye-opening step and fend.
Naholo, who was substituted at halftime, also played provider, breaking out from his own 22-metre area, drawing the last defender and feeding centre Latu Vaeno for his second of the match.
Taranaki’s next defence is against Whanganui in Hawera next weekend.
The scorers:
For Taranaki:
Tries: Latu Vaeno 3, Jayson Potroz 2, Kiniviliame Naholo 2, Daniel Waite, Donald Maka, Brayton Northcott-Hill 2, Kaylum Boshier
Cons: Waite 8, Ciarahn Matoe
For Poverty Bay:
None
Teams:
Taranaki Bulls: 15 Jayson Potroz, 14 Avon Lewis, 13 Latu Vaeno, 12 Brayton Northcott-Hill, 11 Kiniviliame Naholo, 10 Daniel Waite, 9 Logan Crowley, 8 Toa Halafihi, 7 Tom Florence, 6 Mitchell Crosswell (captain), 5 Kane Thompson, 4 Jack Jordan, 3 Asaeli Sorovaki, 2 Donald Maka, 1 Jared Profit.
Replacements: 16 Scott Mellow, 17 Chris Gawler, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Jarrad Hoeata, 20 Kaylum Boshier, 21 Shaan Waite, 22 Ciarahn Matoe, 23 Liam Blyde.
Poverty Bay squad: Campbell Chrisp, Mario Counsell, George Lelenoa, Willy Grogan, Semisi Akana, Hamuera Baker, Andrew Petelo, Kelvin Smith, Tamanui Hill, Matt Raleigh, Rikki Terekia, Jesse Fleming, Shayde Skudder, Tawhao Stewart, Jacob Cook, Anthony Karauria, Sam McDell, Mapa Tu’ipulotu, Micaiah Torrance-Reid, Te Peehi Fairlie , Juston Allen, Andrew Tau’atevalu, Willis Tamatea, Ethine Reeves, Mekepio Brown, Cameron Rowden, Callum McDonald, Oka Sanerivi, Kurt Taylor, Korey Love, Fawn White, Tom Iosefo, Lyndon Manuel, Ken Houkamau, Jess Kapene.
Sources: Taranaki Daily News & NZ Herald
Comments on RugbyPass
Some dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
1 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
7 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
7 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
7 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
7 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
7 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
7 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to commentsPerhaps filling Twickenham is one of Mitchell’s KPIs. I doubt whether both September matches will be at Twickenham on consecutive weekends. I would take the BF one to a large provincial stadium so as not to give them the advantage and experience of playing at Twickenham before a large crowd prior to the RWC.
3 Go to commentsvery unfortunate for Kitshoff, but big opportunity potentially for Nché to prove he is genuinely the best loosehead in the world, rather than just a specialist finisher. Presuming that if Kitshoff is out, it will also give Steenekamp a chance to come into the 23? Or are others likely to be ahead of him?
1 Go to comments