"At the same time it was difficult for us because we didn't have big forward packs. We had to get our big players from the draft and often didn't have continuity when it came to selection of our forwards."
Taylor was referring to his era as assistant to the late Frank Oliver when the first 15-21 players had to be selected from within the franchise and then coaches could go to the draft. These days it's an open market and there are no restrictions on the number of players selected from franchise unions.
"We used to get some reasonable players from the draft and after a year they would return to their home franchise. It also worked in reverse ... I remember Magpies fullback Jarrod Cunningham going to the Blues first before he gained Hurricanes selection," Taylor said.
Under former All Black Oliver and Taylor the Canes finished ninth in 1996, third in 1997, eighth in 1998 and 10th in 1999.
He considers the 1997 season when they got to the semifinal and were beaten 33-20 by the Brumbies in Canberra as the highlight during their watch.
The former Counties (147 first class games from 1972-82) and Hawke's Bay Magpies (six in 1984) midfield back is full of admiration for the style of play the Canes are producing this season.
"They are having an outstanding year. All credit to the coaching staff and players. They are consistent ... we lacked that consistency," he said.
"Habits form in rugby. Winning is a habit and I can see this season's Canes going all the way. They just have to keep performing to secure a home semifinal and then the first final at the Cake Tin."
He reckons Friday night's clash will be a cracker.
"The Canes will win if they continue to be clinical and retain possession. At the same time the Highlanders' back three are exciting and when you combine them with halfback Aaron Smith they are like the Hurricanes of old ... capable of scoring five-pointers from anywhere."
A father of two and grandfather of five, Taylor coached the Magpies from 1990-93 and after a stint on the national age group scene headed to the Pontypool club in Wales in 1995. It was while he was in Wales Oliver contacted Taylor to do the Central Vikings and the relationship they developed with this team inspired the pair to apply for the Canes job.
Previously he had been in the police force from 1974-87, was the Hawke's Bay union's coaching co-ordinator from 1987-90 and also an employee of the Hawke's Bay Regional Council and YMCA. From 2001-05 Taylor was Sport Wanganui's CEO and from 2005-09 the Auckland-based chief executive for the Halberg Trust.
"I remember when I came back for Len Snee's funeral in 2009 I realised how much I missed the Bay and when some mates told me the job at the Masonic Trust was going I had a crack."
He was a successful candidate at the 2013 elections for the Napier City Council and Taylor said whatever happens on the amalgamation front he will be keen to stay involved.
"It's an opportunity to give something back to the community I grew up in."
Taylor is a keen golfer, playing off a 20 handicap at the Maraenui club, and cyclist, having also joined the Napier Tramping Club. His latest passion is deer hunting.
Like opposing midfield backs during his playing days, when he and All Black Bruce Robertson were among the most feared combinations, deer in Taylor's sights seldom get away.
