Barretts and Boshiers start for Taranaki's Shield Challenge

September 17, 2020
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Ultimate Rugby

Beauden and Jordie Barrett will challenge for the Ranfurly Sheild on Sunday with both brothers named in the Taranaki line up to face Canterbury.

Once again, Beauden starts at first five with Jordie at fullback as Taranaki look to repeat their efforts of 2017 and take the Shield off of Canterbury.

Taranaki Bulls head coach Willie Rickards has made just two changes to the starting 15 for the match, from the team which beat Bay of Plenty on Sunday. Chiefs' loosehead prop Reuben O’Neill replaces Jared Proffit in the front row and Kaylum Boshier is in for the injured Mitchell Brown in a loose forward reshuffle.

Kaylum's inclusion into the side means he joins his brother Lachlan in the back row with Mitchell Crosswell at blindside flank.

Rickards expressed high hopes for a repeat of 2017, when the sides last time met in a Ranfurly Shield match Taranaki scored a historic come-from-behind 55-43 win, after trailing 31-7.

“Everyone is really excited about the opportunity that is in front of us, and we are really relishing the challenge.

“To have the chance to head south and give everything we have to bring that old Log o’ Wood back to our fans and that’s a massive driver for us.”

Loose forward Tom Florence will make his 20th appearance for the Bulls and earn his blazer if he comes off the bench.