Byford’s Readimix Taihape wants lightning to strike twice, Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau wants to keep a points table buffer, and everybody just wants to get into the Kings Birthday break with no further broken pieces.

Held together by strapping tape, Taihape and Kaierau meet on a big afternoon for local supporters and sponsors at Memorial Park, with the home side looking for another Top 2 scalp at home as they defend the Whanganui Rugby Challenge Shield they snatched off Waverley Harvesting Border two weeks ago.

Kaierau, smarting from a 30-21 away loss to Border last weekend - when they gambled on running the ball rather than securing a bonus point from an easy penalty on the last play - want to maintain their home semifinal spot as the Tasman Tanning Premier points table has tightened up amongst the four teams below them.

Despite missing points against Border, they still have a little breathing space currently as third- placed Taihape went to an 18-18 draw in an absolute knock-down, drag-out with Dave Hoskin Carriers Marist.

Kaierau coach Danny Tamehana said they will also have to make the trip without unavailable regular skipper Doug Horrocks and hooker Ratu Sevanaia Vudiniabola, a try-scorer in the team’s last meeting at the Country Club, when the home side hung on 27-22.

“We’re going to be a bit light with guy’s injuries,” said Tamehana.

“Currently we’ve got probably a good 7-8 players that are out, that are starting XV players.

“Lucky to have some mates coming to help us out – no excuses, we’ve got players who can cover.

“The goal is to win the Shield and have that opportunity to stay in the Top 4.

“It feels like the season is going so quickly – you’ve got to go on and do the business.

“It’s great that the competition is close, it’s keeping everyone honest.”

With 2023 representative halfback Eben Claassen back training but still recovering from his knee injury last month against Marist, regular flanker Mairangi Tamehana continues to operate as the tallest No9 in Premier.

“I’ve talked to the backs and they want to help, but Mairangi is doing a great job,” said Danny Tamehana of his son’s efforts.

“He used to be five foot three back in the day - played halfback at age grade.

“I’d prefer him to be in the front line, being one of our choppers, but we’ve no one else.”

Fullback Peceli Malanicagi has been in outstanding form this campaign, but has now picked up a
hamstring injury, with utility back Sheldon Pakinga on standby to cover the role.

It would be a shame to miss the fullback confrontation with former representative No15 Tyler Rogers-Holden, now back with the side after not being available in the previous match with Kaierau.

Pakinga could have a lot of responsibilities given first-five Ethan Robinson was also doubtful, with
Tamehana not wanting to risk the playmaker ahead of the other important games after the long
weekend break.

Taihape coach Sefo Bourke could take Kaierau’s problems and double them.

“We’re the same as Danny, the same as the others too.

“We’re just holding on for that [Kings Birthday] weekend. Be good to get this out of the way and put on a good performance ahead of the bye.

“It will be a bit of a challenge, we know from the first round how Kaierau play.”

After being seperated in the last few games, Taihape are pleased to have their Bennett’s Taihape team playing at home before them as extra reserve cover.

Captain Peter-Travis Hay-Horton, current second-place on the Premier MVP list, remains doubtful with his injury, with Bourke deciding at Thursday training if he suits up.

“If we can get away with maybe not playing him, just to get his body right after the bye, we’ll have to make that call.”

Stepping up at lock in his absence has been former skipper Matt Brown.

“Week in, week out, just puts on a solid, steady performance,” said Bourke.

“He’s been a rock for us – both how he plays and what he brings as a leader.”

The other concern is the season’s new first-five Chad Whale, cousin of the three Steelform Whanganui representative Whale brothers, who hurt his shoulder against Marist.

Although an x-ray gave the all-clear, given the youngster’s age, Bourke would not mind gambling on resting Whale to create a two-week break to again have another key player further recovered for the last three round-robin games.

Both Rogers-Holden and Luke Whale among others have plenty of first-five experience.

“I think it’s just the physicality of the competition,” Bourke said of the injury lists.

“Every team you play, really physical, and if boys get in bad positions...”

In the other games, Border make their first trip to the Pa for a Premier fixture in over five years when they take on Tāmata Hauhā Rātana, while Marist will host Marton at Spriggens Park in the follow-up to their exciting 22-22 draw in April.

By Jared Smith

Tasman Tanning Premier Draw, May 25, 2.35pm kickoffs unless noted
Rātana vs Border, Rātana Pa, 2.50pm
Marist vs Marton, Spriggens Park
Taihape vs Kaierau, Memorial Park