Naki v CM

[Crucial]

Seriously powerful backline for the Naki. Ngatai and Tamanivalu back in the midfield with Naholo on the outside.

Taranaki: Marty McKenzie, Manasa Mataele, Seta Tamanivalu, Charlie Ngatai (c), Waisake Naholo, Stephen Perofeta, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Toa Halafihi, Lachlan Boshier, Pita-Gus Sowakula, Leon Power, Brad Tucker, Mike Kainga, Ricky Riccitelli, Mitchell Graham. Reserves, Sione Lea, Jared Proffit, Asa Sorovaki, Fin Hoeata, Adrian Wyrill, Kylem O'Donnell, Johnny Fa'auli, Declan O'Donnell.

[pakman]

You'd better hope that your forwards can beat theirs up!

[Crucial]

CM

15. Luteru Laulala, 14. Nigel Ah-Wong, 13. Sam Furniss, 12. Orbyn Leger, 11. Tevita Nabura, 10. Baden Kerr, 9. Augustine Pulu (c); 8. Jimmy Tupou © 7. Sam Henwood, 6. Ronald Raaymakers, 5. Matiaha Martin, 4. Viliame Rarasea, 3. Kalolo Tuiloma, 2. Gafatasi Su'a, 1. Pauliasi Manu.

Reserves: 16. Joe Royal, 17. Coree Te Whata-Colley, 18. Sean Bagshaw, 19. Leroy Jack, 20. Johnathan Kawau, 21. Jonathan Taumateine, 22. Stephen Donald, 23. Tim Nanai-Williams.

Not considered because of injury: Glen Fisi'iahi, Suliasi Taufalele, Fotu Lokotui and Matt Vaai.

[Stargazer]

Surprisingly easy try scored by Nabura.

[mikedogz]

Nabura having an awesome game. Would be useful at Super rugby if not picked up overseas. Has played for Fiji Sevens.

[mikedogz]

Counties scrum continues to smash Taranaki

[mikedogz]

Bugger!!!

[pakman]

Nabura did look exceptional. Naki forwards very unconvincing but came through (just) at end. Naki midfield showed very good composure in last 20 and took good options in each of the tries. I want to see Charlie N on end of year tour.

[Higgins]

In place of who?

[Stargazer]

@Higgins Was wondering about that, too. With midfielders SBW, Laumape, Crotty & ALB in the RC squad, as well as Havili as injury cover for Jordie Barrett, who is also able to play at 12, and Goodhue having been in camp with the ABs this year, it's hard to see how Ngatai can get a spot on the EOYT and/or who you should be dropped.

[pakman]

@Stargazer I think they're going to take a few extra bods on EOYT so I expect 5 midfielders. We are desperately short of experienced top graders in this area, so for me it's CN ahead of Goodhue or Buckman, the others who attended AB camps this year. In other words, no one dropped.

[taniwharugby]

@pakman be very surprised if Goodhue isnt on the EOYT as the 'apprentice' as Jordie was last year.

While I might be bias, the guy just oozes class, makes players that play alongside him look better, even Dan Hawkins!

In many ways he is similar to Ngatai in that he plays smart, good defender, runs good lines and has a low error rate, so while I wouldnt be surprised if Ngatai does go, I'd be more surprised if Goodhue doesnt.

[pakman]

@taniwharugby Haven't seen hat much of Goodhue, but agree it would makes sense to take him on EOYT as apprentice.