Pressure on Taranaki for battle on home ground

The heat goes on first division leaders Taranaki tomorrow when they meet Canterbury and the first of five Super 12 franchise base teams.

A win would give Taranaki a historic second scalp over the holders of the Ranfurly Shield. No team have ever beaten the shield holders twice in a season without lifting the shield.

Two weeks ago, Taranaki beat Bay of Plenty 58-14 in New Plymouth where the shield was not at stake.

The only prize tomorrow is competition points and the only team capable of overtaking Taranaki on the points standings are Wellington.

For that to happen, Wellington, on 15 points, would have to get maximum points against Auckland in Wellington tonight and Taranaki, on 19 points, would have to come away without any points.

"We're under no illusions about how tough Canterbury will be," Taranaki coach Kieran Crowley said.

"This match is the benchmark for the season."

There will be some fascinating match-ups. Andrew Hore v Corey Flynn; locks Paul Tito and Reece Robinson against Chris Jack and Brad Thorn; Brent Thompson v Sam Broomhall; Brock James v Andrew Mehrtens; and Lifeimi Mafi against Aaron Mauger.

Hooker Hore missed last year's World Cup because of a shoulder injury. Flynn went with the All Blacks instead, but has had his own injury problems. Both have been outstanding in the past three weeks.

Canterbury coach Aussie McLean has rested All Blacks halfback Justin Marshall so he can be at the birth of his second child. Ben Hurst starts in the No 9 jersey instead.

Canterbury are deservedly favourites but the a Taranaki side boxing above their weight cannot be discounted.

- NZPA