Tasman vs Canterbury
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@KiwiMurph It's only Canterbury.
I think Lowe at fullback is pretty much enforced, since Jordan is apparently ill or injured and Havili is not released to play. Bit disappointing, because I was looking forward to seeing Jordan with Lowe and Tima.
Similarly the loose forward mix. First choice mix would probably be Taufua, Samu and Fredericks.
Guyton was first choice for the Mako$ ahead of Christie last year, so I guess he's being given first crack this year.
Not considered for selection through injury or illness are utility loose forwards Vernon Fredericks and Jordan Taufua, fullback Will Jordan, prop Ryan Cozon and lock Pari Pari Parkinson. David Havili, a member of the All Blacks squad, has trained with the team but is not cleared to play.
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@Chris-B. Interesting that Havili is not cleared to play. NMS has also been released by the ABs but is available for selection. I assume that they don't want to risk Havili getting injured because Dagg has a niggle, Jordie is out for the season and BFA is only available for Bledisloe I and II?
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@Stargazer Yeah - probably. But, maybe also because he's had a lot of minutes for the Crusaders.
Or, maybe it's part of the NZRU conspiracy against the Mako$ - we never got a minute out of Squire last year, while other teams frequently lined up with ABs againbst us. AND we never get a Shield Challenge.
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Looks like Hunt has been told to tank his kicks or no Crusaders contract next year
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@Stargazer just as well super rugby signings arent based on one game. Like saying this game makes Leon Macdonald a bad coach (which he aint)
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surprised they didnt go back to that tackle for the Cantab winger on the Ta$man guy on his knees...
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Is M10 Cup still the old BP system, ie 4T = 1 BP.
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@taniwharugby Yes, that "3 more than the opponent" bonus point is a SANZAAR rule, not World Rugby.
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It's only Ta$man....
Shame that Dunshea (shin) chip and chase didn't come off.
Loved how flat we played and the offload game was on song. I know it's only two games into the season but I predict the Thompson/Bateman midfield will be the best of the comp
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A bit flattering score for Canterbury. Ta$man wasn't as bad as the score suggests (except maybe at the end). Great game from Dunshea, Bateman, Mo'unga, Sanders and Whitelock. Strange and Perry were probably the best for Ta$man. Good to see Paulo back playing in NZ.
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Well, that was a bit shit. Lucky it was just a warm-up game.
Worst thing was seeing about five Mako$ hobble off the field injured.
Canterbury looked pretty fucking good - it has to be said. We had enough territory and possession, but never really looked like scoring.
That Dunshea has got some pace. Pete Samu looked good for us. Shannon Frizell went OK and got given Man of the Match - presumably a judging panel comprised of Glen Jackson.
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Great result for Canterbury, a bonus point win and +39 for our points differential away from home against one of the best teams in the comp. I was very pleased with our defensive structure given the full squad only came together less than a week ago. This Canterbury team looks strong across the park. It can play tight through the forwards when needed, and expansively when opportunities present. It's still early days, and the Ranfurly Shield will mean that there is added pressure for every home game, but last night was a great way to start the Glenn Delaney era for the red and blacks.
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Josh McKay seems like he's going to be the Red & Blacks new Colin Slade. Pace to play on the wing, a kicking game to slot in at fullback and far more accustomed to first-five.
I was a little worried that he'd been thrown on the wing when he seems such a talented and natural 10. No doubt his coaches have a plan for him. Just hope we don't stifle another in the long line of Canterbury 10s by chucking him out wide.
Still annoyed we let Will Jordan leave. He was fantastic at the Junior World Cup.
