Rugby: Taylor's ready to give it 'a crack'

NORTHLAND V TARANAKI

When it comes to playing rugby it doesn't take much to push Hayden Taylor's buttons.

The 25-year-old fullback has now experienced many highs and quite a few lows as the last line of defence for the Northland rugby side. But that hasn't dampened his sense of enjoyment.

"As long as I'm enjoying it I usually play all right," he said.

"It's when I get worried about things that it doesn't come off sometimes.

"It's just about having confidence in myself and giving it a crack."

Taylor has been one to stand out in the Northland team this season and his form might just win him a permanent spot in the Auckland Blues Super 12 team next year.

Last week he went some way to confirming himself as a candidate with an eye-catching effort in front of the Blues selectors Gordon Hunter and Frank Oliver in the game against Auckland.

Tonight in Whangarei he faces a challenge from Taranaki's Daryl Lilley.

"It is always good marking 'the flower.' He's not bad and can take the ball up pretty well.

"I just hope I get the ball and have a go. That's what it's all about really."

Getting the ball against Taranaki could be the problem. With three players suspended, one injured and the pressure to get a win at home building, Northland's task against Taranaki's ruthless forward pack is looming large.

Big Northland No 8 Samiu Vahafolau, suspended for two weeks on Thursday by the judiciary for foul play, joins prop Mike Storey and reserve hooker Joe Ross on the sidelines, forcing coach Bryce Woodward to make some changes.

Matt Webber comes into blindside flanker, Brett Waaka moves to No 8 and Tony Monaghan starts at first five-eighths ahead of Jared Going.

The rest of the team is unchanged from last week.

Northland: Hayden Taylor, Norm Berryman, Jason Shoemark, Robbie Johnson, Jason Hita, Tony Monaghan, Joggie Viljoen, Brett Waaka, Justin Collins, Mat Webber, Glenn Taylor (c), Valu Maimuri, Tim Knight, Jason Hammond, Joe Veitayaki. Res: Tim Dow, Wayne Rogers, Ryan Cooper, Alan Tubbs, Sam Pinter, Jared Going, Fero Lasagavibau.

Taranaki: Daryl Lilley, Neil Brew, Kerry Eynon, Mepi Faoagali, Lome Fa'atau, David Wood, Craig Fevre, Campbell Feather, Neil Crowley, Brent Thompson, Andy Slater (c), Paul Tito, Gordon Slater, Shane McDonald, Tama Tuirirangi. Res: Faapolou Soolefai, Mark Urwin, Bryce Robins, Daniel Smith, Daryl Fale, Keith Robinson, Tony Penn.

- NZPA