NPC Final! Taranaki vs Hawkes Bay Saturday 21st 2.05pm NZDT!

[Stargazer]

Interesting photos of training on the official socials. The caption says "Stable's full".

Not only Isaac Salmon is back; also Neria Fomai, Danny Toala and Solomone Funaki are training with the squad. I thought Funaki was ruled out for the season. Or maybe he was only ruled out for the rest of Tonga's RWC campaign?

Not that I'd expect them changing things up after playing an unchanged team the past few weeks, but Fomai would be eligible. Not sure about the others (being officially named in the squad doesn't 100% reflect a player's contract status, I think). Haven't spotted Tuitavuki and 'Apikotoa in the photos (they'd be eligible, too).

Edited to add that Harry Godfrey was already back training with the squad last week, or two weeks ago.

[Stargazer]

[Nepia]

@Stargazer Good of them to come back to support the team, but I doubt they'd rush any of them back in.

[Stargazer]

@Nepia Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Great to see them so involved in the preparation of the Final though.

[voodoo]

Typical glory hunters returning to try and share in the spoils, probably heard some rumours about epic after parties eh?

[Dan54]

Very much like the Naki team named,only top line player missing is Crowley at 9 and Lennox is capable replacement.
C'MON THE NAKI!

[Stargazer]

@Dan54 Crowley has been named on the bench.

[Stargazer]

Angus Mabey is the referee for the Final.

[Dan54]

@Stargazer yep good to see, I didn't check the bench and thought Blyde would still be there. I should of read it on a bigger screen.

[Stargazer]

Only one change: Joe 'Apikotoa returns and will wear the number 18 jersey instead of Bo Abra.

[Tim]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/300992543/josh-jacombs-journey-from-a-crusaders-supporting-aucklander-to-taranaki-playmaker

[Dan54]

Ok fellas, the semi in France is over so time for me to go to NP

Go THE NAKI!!

[Bovidae]

@Tim Yes, a North Shore boy.

[frugby]

Is this the lullaby version of the national anthem?

[Steven Harris]

That McClutchie clearance need to go to touch , rampant start from the home side , great vision from Jacomb 7-0

[KiwiMurph]

There's a weird fascination with Canterbury by the commentators as if they win every year. This will be the 6th straight season they won't win the title.

[Steven Harris]

12-0 Naki , could be a long afternoon if the visitors dont find any connection

[KiwiMurph]

Excellent tackle Naholo

[Stockcar86]

Game on

[Machpants]

Jesus that was some great defence until that try