October 27, 2014
Experience will count in Kobe clash
The coach of the New Zealand Maori rugby team will be looking to his captain to bring the team together for a whirlwind tour of Japan.
Colin Cooper headed for the land of the rising sun last night buoyed up by coaching his Taranaki team to take the ITM Cup by 36 to 32, ending Tasman’s dream season.
The squad gathered in Auckland yesterday to start its preparation for a test in Kobe next Saturday and another in Tokyo the following week.
But it was missing vice captain Shane Christie, who was one of three Tasman players forced to drop out with injuries after Saturday’s bruising encounter.
That means Cooper will rely heavily on captain Charlie Ngatai.
He says the Chiefs midfield back has a depth of experience, is tactically strong, and he has a lot of respect among the other players.
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