Taranaki defeat Hawke’s Bay as Scott Barrett returns from injury

Taranaki secured a 50-14 victory over Hawke’s Bay at McLean Park in Napier on Sunday. The win moves Taranaki into seventh place on the table with one week remaining in the regular season.

Former All Blacks captain Scott Barrett made his return to rugby after 310 days away from the field. The 32-year-old lock played 52 minutes before being replaced by Jayden Sa while Taranaki led 33-0.

Barrett had been sidelined by a bulging disc in his back that required surgery in late May. This injury prevented him from playing for the Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific and participating in the All Blacks' tour of South Africa.

Taranaki scored eight tries during the match, including two from Bradley Slater and one each from Josh Lord, Arese Poliko, Adam Lennox, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, JJ Pokai, and Seta Tamanivalu. Josh Jacomb added five conversions. Hawke’s Bay scored two tries through Lukas Ripley and Hunter Morrison.

Where reports differ

• One report states Barrett last played on the All Blacks end of year tour in 2025, while another specifies the date as November 22 last year in Cardiff against Wales

Compiled from reports by Stuff and The Post.