Forward angst

From the Hip

There were a few disgruntled Taranaki rugby fans after last Friday night's disappointing 15-14 loss to Waikato in New Plymouth.

And rightly so. It was a limp effort from the home side against a Waikato team that should have been dispatched by halftime.

As one fan stated it was "bloody hard" being a Taranaki supporter, but "not half as hard as being a Taranaki forward".

One couldn't argue with that. The Taranaki forwards have been in good form this season, with their hard work often unrewarded by poor back play. There's nothing more frustrating for forwards to pick themselves up off the ground after winning the ball only to see the backs have lost 30m of hard-earned ground.

It's the old story, Taranaki performs best when it plays to its strengths. Traditionally it has been its pack, and this year is no different.

If that means 10-man rugby, then so be it. It works. After all, the Springboks have won a few games this year.

Rugby is a simple game. Play territory, build pressure and the points will come. Teams like Taranaki need to play a territory game. Kick for position and launch attacks from in the opposition half.

One of Taranaki's problems this season has been clearing the ball from its own 22.

First five-eighth Willie Ripia is good with his left boot when kicking to the right-hand touch, but not so good kicking to the left.

A better option kicking to the left touchline would be to use either second five-eighth Jayden Hayward or fullback Jack Cameron. Both are talented right-foot kickers and both have had experience at playing in the pivot role.

Some good viewing on Sky Sport on Sunday night with the Kiwi cricketers in full flight.

Opener Jesse Ryder wasn't doing any running - he had a runner for that after a groin injury. He smacked 10 fours and a six in an entertaining innings of 74 as the Kiwis raced through to 125 in 20 overs.

But his actions as he walked off took the gloss off his innings - smashing his bat into a chair on the way to the changing rooms. Frustrated for sure, but a little more control is needed.

Worst haircut in sport?

There have been a few shockers over the years, but the 'shaved head with mullet at the back' style of Northland's Karl Haitana is one of the worst spotted. It's an absolute shocker, highlighted by the shining bald spot on top and a bushy beard. The sooner it goes the better.

Plenty of options for golf fans in Taranaki this week.

There's the Eagles tournament at Westown over the next two days, boasting some of New Zealand's top young talent, two pro-ams, then four days of quality golf with 50 professionals and 70 amateurs at Ngamotu starting on Thursday.

All we need now is the weather to improve.

- © Fairfax NZ News