Taranaki kick offf

Former All Black Brendon Leonard gets his first start for Taranaki in this game

Welcome to Ultimate Rugby's coverage of this Mitre 10 Cup clash between Tasman and Taranaki. Both sides will be licking their wounds from round 4 defeats to Auckland and Waikato. Taranaki lost the Shield to Waikato in last week and have won just one of three away games this season. Meanwhile, Tasman started the season well with three straight wins, including one over defending Premiership champions, Canterbury. Their unbeaten run was ended by Auckland last Friday.

Stay with us for what should be an entertaining game between two sides who will be desperate for a win.

Tasman have won four of their last five games against Taranaki and 11 of their last 12 games at home, with the record extending to six straight wins at the moment.

Biggest Tasman score: 41 in New Plymouth 22.10.2016 (M10C PSF)
Biggest Taranaki score: 49 in New Plymouth 1.09.2012 (ITMC, RS)