Opening losers Wellington fired up

Taranaki are expecting defending NPC first-division champions Wellington to come out firing in New Plymouth tonight.

Wellington were humiliated in their 11-14 loss to first-division newcomers Bay of Plenty in the capital last weekend, and Taranaki, battered and bruised after a 20-25 first-round loss to Northland at home, will also be hurting.

Last year's corresponding match was spiteful, and three players were sinbinned in a pre-season encounter between the provinces this year.

In last year's NPC game, won 41-13 by Wellington, Taranaki hooker Daniel Smith and halfback Brendan Haami were sent off and flanker Brent Thompson was sinbinned. Wellington prop Mike Edwards was also sinbinned.

In last month's pre-season match, Wellington locks Inoke Afeaki and Dion Waller, and Taranaki lock Keith Robinson, were sinbinned.

Waller will miss tonight's match after being suspended for two weeks for punching against Otago, and Edwards is serving a six-week suspension for biting in a club match.

There is also the added edge of places in next year's Hurricanes Super 12 squad being on offer.

The Wellington side has 13 Hurricanes players. The Taranaki team has 12 players with Super 12 experience.

Unsurprisingly, Taranaki coach Colin Cooper is expecting a physical match.

"Both sides need to win to get back on track," he said.

"I was reasonably happy with the amount of ball the forwards won [against Northland], but we just have to be smarter with it. It was too static and we were too slow at giving the backs the ball."

Wellington coach Dave Rennie said attitude separated Bay of Plenty from Wellington in the opening round and he was well aware of Taranaki's strengths.

"Both sides are desperate for a win," said Rennie. "You can't afford to drop too many early games."

A decision on whether Wellington's All Black fullback Christian Cullen plays or is on the reserves' bench will be made today.

Cullen, sidelined with a knee injury, has not been named in the 22-man squad, but has trained with the team this week.

- NZPA