Rugby: Taniwha now looking to pull off an 'Oracle'

Whiria Meltzer (right) is hoping the Taniwha can construct more quality attacking raids like this one against Southland. Photo / Ron Burgin

It may be unpatriotic and to yachties, downright sacrilegious, but Whiria Meltzer is hoping Northland can take a leaf out of Oracle's book and make a memorable comeback in this year's Championship.

The talented Awanui outside back is hoping that a win tomorrow night against Manawatu in Palmerston North could change their season's story.

"If we win these last three games then we still have a chance of making the semifinals - we might be able to pull off an Oracle and make a late charge," the 22-year-old laughed.

Meltzer said the team was getting tired of watching opportunities to win matches slide away from them.

"We've been talking about it at practice this week, we've all got to be patient with the ball - especially when we're in their 22, and build pressure and that will help us score points," he said.

"We know we've got good systems in the team but they're just not paying off for us because we're rushing things."

Manawatu are also under pressure after a couple of big defeats but they shored up their shaky defence last weekend to score a morale-boosting 12-6 victory over neighbours Taranaki.

Meltzer knows it is not an easy task but says spirits are high in the squad despite their poor recent form. He said the enthusiasm of the Northland juniors at training this week was inspirational.

"The Taniwha kids - the U16 and U18 Northland sides - came to watch us train this week and that helped us to have a good training and come away looking forward to heading down to Palmerston North," he said.

The Awanui club's player of the year has been involved with the squad for three years after an impressive age-group showing slated him for higher honours. His first season in the wider Taniwha training squad saw him farmed out to North Otago to get experience in the Heartland Championship.

A busted ACL ligament in his knee saw Meltzer sidelined for the entire 2012 season and he had to wait to finally debut for the Taniwha in the opening match of this season against Waikato.

His speed, sidestepping and willingness to attack the line have seen him quickly become a favourite of the fans - particularly on online rugby forums.

With Rene Ranger unavailable next year, Meltzer could be an important part of the Taniwha's plans.

"I'm really enjoying things this year, there's a good bunch of boys here and I just love pulling that Taniwha jersey on," he said.

He has been a regular on the wing but has also been tried a couple of times at fullback - a position he admits is a challenge considering it's his first season playing there - but one he is relishing.

"I don't really mind where I play as long as I get some game time but playing fullback has been good."

Expect a fired up but hopefully more measured performance from Meltzer and the Taniwha tomorrow night.