Magpies v Northland
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Just read in the HBT that there are no new injuries from the North Harbour game on Saturday, so the same players should be available.
Because we're in the middle of our stormweek, it's possible that the coaches are considering some rotation, but I hope they keep Kereru-Symes in the 2 jersey. I wouldn't mind giving Apikotoa a start ahead of Braidwood, and a longer shift for Rakete-Stones (they kept May on the field for way too long, he was knackered). I'd also be tempted to give Cridge a start instead of Parsons, although he's been good. And maybe Flanders instead of Kaifa? Not sure whether Flanders will then play at openside, or that Evans will move to 7 in that case.
I don't expect any change in the halves and outside backs, but I would like seeing Toala on the bench instead of either Tofilau or Buckley in one of the next few games. As we'll probably lose the game against Canterbury anyway, they might pick that game for a debut though.
Knowing how late the HBRU always is in releasing the matchday 23, we'll probably have to wait until tomorrow before we know the line-up for the game against Northland.
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Yep, Kereru-Symes had a good game at hooker against North Harbour. Really got involved.
He was presented the player-of-the-day award at the aftermatch.
Don't know how Taulagi got given the three points for the Duane Monkley medal. His defence, particularly his tackling, is, to be polite, poor.
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@number-10 I thought Taulagi had a good game. Outstanding on attack. He creates opportunities. He only missed one tackle (made 3).
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@stargazer said in Magpies v Northland:
@number-10 I thought Taulagi had a good game. Outstanding on attack. He creates opportunities. He only missed one tackle (made 3).
Yeah, I thought Yellow Card was good, but still think he's going to come up with something stupid by seasons end. And I wish he'd hold the ball in two hands on occasion.
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His attempted tackle on Sione Teu during James Parson's first try was just a dive-in-front of Sione Teu's knees - no attempt to wrap the arms around Teu to hold or bring him down. Teu rolled on closer to the line to plant the ball for Parsons to score.
Tevita Li scored his try when Taulagi made a pathetic grab high for him and Li just brushed past him.
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According to the HBT, this is the Magpies line-up, so with a 6-2 split on the bench and Cridge starting at 6, Mikaele-Tu'u moving to his preferred spot at the back of the scrum and Evans shifting to openside:
JJ Taulagi, Jonah Lowe, Stacey Ili, Pasqualle Dunn, Mason Emerson, Lincoln McClutchie, Brad Weber (co-captain), Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Gareth Evans (co-captain), Geoff Cridge, Michael Allardice, Tom Parsons, Ben May, Kianu Kereru-Symes, Mark Braidwood.
Reserves: Ben Power, Jason Long, Joe Apikotoa, Sam Ulufonua, Devan Flanders, Josh Kaifa, Folau Fakatava, Sasa Tofilau.
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I prefer that loose forward trio
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Can’t believe Hawkes Bay are paying $1.95 at the TAB given Northlands history of having never won in Napier under the current Mitre 10 Cup and previous ITM Cup that starting running in 2006..
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@number-10 this the one time of the year my loyalty is split,Whanau who down in the Bay and one that plays for the Bay,but having spent most of the time in the Far North,I would settle for a high scoring draw with both teams walking away with 3 points as opposed to a loss.
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@steven-harris high scoring draw with them kicking 15 penalties and us 6 tries and a penalty, we need that extra point
Whats the weather like down there?
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Fine, but windy today - westerlies so if they keep up, wind and tactics on how to use it will be a factor
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Stockcar86 said:
Fine, but windy today - westerlies so if they keep up, wind and tactics on how to use it will be a factor
tactics? pfft, who uses them?
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Number 10 said:
This morning's Dominion Post is quoting Hawke's Bay @ $1.62 and Northland @ $2.20 (obviously as at yesterday when the article was wtritten).
If HB is currently @ $1.95 then that would suggest someone has put a HUUUUUUUGGGGGGGEEEEEEE bet on Northland.
The Bay now paying $2.05 and Northland at $1.77. This has the hint of money coming in from Calcutta. At least we can now legitimately claim the underdog status.
My flag has mysteriously turned up, albeit it with the pole no longer with it, but my Sin Bin HB Rugby Supporters Club jersey has now gone walkabout. The beanie and scarf are still waiting to be discovered! No.1 suspect has booked themselves in for my Sunday Roast after the Argies game and before the Canterbury match. Might just find himself denied dessert until said items can be located. No wonder things are not going good on the field when one of the most one eyed fans cannot dress themselves in suitable attire. -
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And as soon as I type that some more feeble ripper like defence (shudder to even describe it as tackling) sees Rene Ranger in for another Northland try. And even before I finish this Marino Tu'u scampers in for a HB try directly from the kick off for a more agreeable scoreline of Hawkes Bay 19 - 17 Northland 20 minutes now played.
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Right, I've had enough of this shit. At least one player has the word GOD prominently written on some of the strapping on his left arm. Well sir, perhaps you could ask for some devine assistance in getting some help with your fellow players effing useless and unacceptable attempted tackles. Needless to say Northland in for yet another try.
Hawkes Bay 19 - 31 Northland after about 28 minutes. We await Nepia's insightful comments about this debacle if he is still with us come half time.
