Flanker now in No 8 jersey

A few weeks ago, Richard Bryant was contemplating a season with the Taranaki second XV.

The openside flanker originally missed selection in Kieran Crowley's squad for the NPC first division, but injuries changed all that.

First, Neil Crowley was ruled out for the pre-season games against Italy, North Harbour and Wellington, letting Bryant take the No 7 jersey.

When it came to the opening NPC match, Bryant was again on the openside flank.

Then last Saturday, No 8 Chris Masoe broke his arm against Waikato, ruling him out for the season.

In a surprise move, Bryant was named at No 8 for this afternoon's match against Northland in New Plymouth, with Neil Crowley back on the openside.

Not that Bryant is any stranger to No 8. All his rugby for the New Plymouth Boys High School first XV was off the back of the scrum.

He also played for Taranaki B in the position a couple of seasons ago, and this year, in club play, had three games for Tukapa at No 8.

Bryant was not thinking too much about the switch yesterday; he was too busy on the job as a plumber at Oaonui.

"I haven't had too much time to think about it," he said. "We've been renovating a kitchen, bathroom and laundry.

"I'm up for the challenge. It's another opportunity and I'll play any position, just to be on the field."

Five changes have been made to the Taranaki side who beat Waikato 26-20 in the opening game in Hamilton, three of them due to injury.

New Zealand Maori players Brendan Haami, with an eye problem, and Bryce Robins, with a calf strain, join Masoe on the injured list. Prop Tony Penn and lock Reece Robinson drop back to the bench.

Taranaki were cleaned out in the lineouts and lost the rucks and mauls by a wide margin against Waikato. But although the team played badly, they still managed a four-tries-to-one victory.

It was a win based on defence, but a bigger effort will be needed against a Northland side who surprised with their gutsy effort in a narrow loss to Canterbury.

Coach Crowley said his side could expect a strong challenge from Northland.

"They played really well and took it to Canterbury. They've got a huge pack and, if you bang away at that all day, it starts to take its toll.

"Northland have a similar attitude to rugby as us. They come from the same sort of place or environment, and they love sticking it to the big boys."

With former All Black tighthead prop Gordon Slater playing his 150th match for Taranaki, the home side will not lack in motivation.

Taranaki: Daryl Lilley, James Kerr, Mark Stewart, Matt Harvey, Shayne Austin, Mark Urwin, Craig Fevre, Richard Bryant, Neil Crowley, Scott Breman, Paul Tito, Brent Thompson, Gordon Slater, Andrew Hore, Jason Hooper. Res: Daniel Smith, Tony Penn, Reece Robinson, Brendon McGlashan, Johnny Stewart, Sam Young, Denning Tyrell.

Northland: Jared Going, Fero Lasagavibau, Norm Berryman, Matt Faleuka, Jason Shoemark, James Arlidge, Sam Payne, Jake Paringatai, Luke Ottley, Brad Taylor, Lee Jones (capt), Mose Tuiali'i, Tim Knight, Jason Hammond, Bronson Murray. Reserves: Lee Peina, Sam Davis, Josh Levi, Ted Carew, Tu Tamarua, Nisifolo Naufahu, Tim Dow.

Kickoff: 2.35pm.

- NZPA