Tahana cleared for Shield match

11.45am

Bay of Plenty wing Anthony Tahana has been cleared to play in Sunday's Ranfurly Shield rugby match against Auckland.

Tahana was stretchered from the field during Bay of Plenty's NPC warm-up game against North Harbour on Saturday in a neck brace after falling awkwardly in a tackle and taking a heavy knock to his neck.

Hospital x-rays ruled out any break, and yesterday doctors cleared him to play in Sunday's match at Eden Park.

Bay of Plenty won the match 19-15.

Tahana's clearance was a major relief to Bay of Plenty, who now have an almost fully fit squad.

Midfielder Grant McQuoid ran freely yesterday after recovering from a quadricep strain and Apoua Stewart's sore knee has improved with treatment.

Super 12 loosehead prop Simms Davison is also likely to be available and fullback Damon Kaui has had another few days to rest his nagging knee injury.

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES

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