Rugby: Eels in the running

Taieri flanker James Lentjes celebrates after scoring a try during the premier final against...
Taieri flanker James Lentjes celebrates after scoring a try during the premier final against University A at Forsyth Barr Stadium last year. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
Taieri has come a long way in the past few years and will again be right in the running for the glory at the end of the season.

The Eels left their best for last in 2014, handing out a 50-point thrashing to University in the final to win their third championship in four years.

For a club that did not come back into the premier grade until 2009 after a few years away, it has been a steep ride to the top.

Erik Vaafusuaga and former Arrowtown coach Hayden Finch are the new coaches for Taieri, with Jason Macdonald tied up with Otago union commitments.

Captain and No 8 Charlie O'Connell is back again and will lead the charge.

He is a strong leader for the club and is backed up in the loose forwards by the likes of Willis Scott and James Lentjes.

Lentjes impressed greatly last year, making it into the Otago side, and has been training with the Highlanders.

Vaafusuaga is expecting big things out of young first five-eighth Josh Casey.

His ability to find the gap and excellent goal kicking will be a bonus for Taieri, although the Eels may get the services of Highlander Hayden Parker for a good part of the season.

Michael Collins has been named vice-captain and will be a key man in the Taieri midfield.

The experience of backs such as Kori Rupene, Shannon Young and Glen Beadle will be a huge plus to Taieri.

Alex Fitzgerald has moved to the Dunedin club, Kurt Schrader has headed south and a big loss is midfield back Kieran Moffat, who has gone overseas.

Though he had his share of injuries, his ability to cart the ball forward and find gaps was a real asset for Taieri.

A couple of promising players from Tauranga Boys' College - Connor Fifita and Christian Kelly - have joined the club, and will look to make an impact.

The Eels had a couple of pre-season games against Arrowtown and Southern, and Vaafusuaga said he was happy with the performances of the team.

Taieri opens with a match at home against Pirates and then takes on Green Island next week.

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