If the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls rugby team play as well as they did against Wellington on Saturday when the National Provincial Championship (NPC) starts this week, fans are in for an enjoyable season.
Taranaki trounced the Lions 49-22 in Manaia to celebrate 100 years of sponsors Yarrows the Bakers and complete the pre-season programme. The win comes after two losses in the Chiefs Cup last weekend.
Playing in a commemorative Waimate blue and black hooped jersey, Taranaki ran in seven converted tries on a calm afternoon in front of a packed crowd at the Manaia Domain. In a fast-paced match, Taranaki were largely at full strength despite a couple of absences with Ricky Riccitelli, Stephen Perofeta and Daniel Rona missing.
Wellington had nearly a dozen from their pack out, including Du Plessis Kirifi, Xavier Numia, Peter Lakai, Asafo Aumua and Dominic Bird.
Taranaki had the edge up front, largely helped by experienced prop Michael Bent and All Black Josh Lord, who set the platform at scrum time for Taranaki to launch from.