Wednesday July 28th 2010

Article by Glenn McLean. Source: Taranaki Daily News www.taranakidailynews.co.nz 

The odds might be short on him joining the Western Force for next year's Super 15 rugby competition but first five-eighth Willie Ripia's attention is squarely on Taranaki's national provincial championship campaign.

Ripia was predictably named to start in Tenderlink Taranaki's opening ITM Cup match against Northland in New Plymouth tomorrow night, the experienced Hurricanes and New Zealand Maori pivot seeing off the challenge of teenager Beauden Barrett.

Taranaki's 2010 campaign will be his third for the province since he moved south from Waikato where he struggled for regular game time behind former All Black Stephen Donald.

The 24-year-old made headlines on both sides of the Tasman earlier this month when his two-day visit to Perth's Western Force franchise was trumpeted loudly by its chief executive Vern Reid.

While he admits he was impressed with the setup across the ditch, Ripia said nothing had been decided.

"Yeah it was good, but I wasn't over there for that," he said. "I was over on the Gold Coast on holiday and just went over to Perth for two days at the end."

A latecomer into the Taranaki camp this year after being involved with the Maori wins over the New Zealand Barbarians, Ireland and England, Ripia says he has been impressed with the setup under his former Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper.

"There seems to be a real difference this year with the amount of depth we've got.

"You know if one guy falls over there is someone that can step in pretty easily."

While Barrett impressed in starting Taranaki's opening two pre-season matches against Hawke's Bay and Waikato, Ripia showed how important his experience would be when he came off the bench to put in some telling field kicks, as well as landing a couple of crucial long-range penalties.

His age doesn't reflect his level of experience at provincial level and Ripia now admits to being one of the leaders of a backline that will contain five faces new to Taranaki.

Taranaki assistant coach Leo Crowley said last week he had not even approached the subject of the Western Force with his charge, instead leaving him alone to focus on the level of performance he and Cooper expect from their No10.

Included in the wish list is a greater willingness to play closer to the advantage line, while there is also hope the defensive improvements seen in cameo roles for the Maori would transfer through to the amber and black jersey.

Ad Feedback For now, Ripia's main focus is on Northland and helping his side "string together some good performances" as they endeavour to start their ITM Cup campaign in style.