Canterbury coach Scott Robertson has made eight changes to the starting side for the final National Provincial Championship round-robin match against Taranaki on Sunday.

Robertson has notably brought back Tom Taylor and Colin Slade, starting them at first five-eighth and fullback, after they returned to New Zealand following their duties with the All Blacks.

Canterbury, who are hoping to snap a three-game losing streak, will still be smarting from the 38-10 loss to Tasman in Christchurch last Saturday night and beating NPC premiership leaders Taranaki will prove they will be a dangerous foe during the playoffs.

Loosehead prop Alex Hodgman returns from injury and will pack down alongside Ben Funnell and Nepo Laulala at New Plymouth's Yarrow Stadium.

The other change in the forward pack is at lock where Scott Barrett has returned from his shoulder injury to pair-up with Dominic Bird.

Wings Johnny McNicholl and Patrick Osborne have also recovered from injuries and will start. Jack Goodhue has recovered from his concussion issues and will slot in at centre.

The reserve bench also sees some returning faces with loose forward Tom Sanders and Milford Keresoma both recovering from leg issues. 

Canterbury are guaranteed a semifinal spot but who they play, and where, will be dependent on the result of this game and the fixture between Tasman and Counties Manukau game later on Sunday.

AT A GLANCE

Canterbury: Colin Slade, Patrick Osborne, Jack Goodhue, Rob Thompson, Johnny McNicholl, Tom Taylor, Mitchell Drummond, Nasi Manu (c), Matt Todd, Luke Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Dominic Bird, Nepo Laulala, Ben Funnell, Alex Hodgman. Reserves: Codie Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, JJ Manning, Tom Sanders, Steve Alfeld, Adam Whitelock, Milford Keresoma.

- The Press