Manawatu v Magpies
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Gosh, that is a very new look lineup compared to what ran out for The Bay last season. There are a few injury magnets and quite a lot of young guys (both in terms of experience or age). Little worried about the props who, to me, do not seem all that huge. Is it just me or are there others out there starting to get the jitters about the 'Poo game tomorrow?
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@Higgins Not just you, me too, but just a little bit, though. Pouri R-S looked heavier than last year, when he played for the Māori All Blacks, a few weeks ago. That squad from the Poo is not that intimidating, it's mostly the expierience of guys like Booth, Black and Thompson in the backs, but I reckon our backline has much more talent.
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@Stargazer said in Manawatu v Magpies:
@Higgins Not just you, me too, but just a little bit, though. Pouri R-S looked heavier than last year, when he played for the Māori All Blacks, a few weeks ago. That squad from the Poo is not that intimidating, it's mostly the expierience of guys like Booth, Black and Thompson in the backs, but I reckon our backline has much more talent.
Normally I'd be picking and expecting about a thirty or forty point win (ever the optimist!) but looks like I will have to settle for a narrow twenty pointer instead. If worst comes to worst then a one pointer will do but ideally anything above seven points will be immencely satisfying, particulary if the 'Poo has a 0 against their name on the scoreboard at full time. Peter Russell in charge of the pfffft opposition has me a little nervous.
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Typical Poo weather forecast for this game: rain, rain and rain. Possible thunderstorms. Glad I decided not to go and watch from the couch. Now hoping atmospheric conditions aren't going to mess up Sky's signal. I'll keep the radio on and Sky Go on stand-by.
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Right guys it's time to start carrying out our final preperations to ensure we are ready to go come kick off in about an hours time. I'm ready to go with the exception of my beanie which appears to be missing. Importantly the fridge is well stocked and I have conducted a temperature check to ensure everything is suitably chilled and am pleased to report todays choice of Monteiths Black is spot on, taste and temperature wise.
To top everything off here is Bob Houston's version of our HB National Anthem an integeral and an essential requirement in every Bay supporter's preparation for a Hawkes Bay game, especially those of us so far away from home.
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I've ducked out early from the working bee at the speedway to be home in time. Smash the P
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The Bay escape censure for the previous challenge and are rewarded with one of our special forward driving tries from a lineout to Brendon O'Connor about ten metres in from the right hand corner at the pits end of the ground. McLutchie misses the conversion
'Poo 07 - 05 The Bay after about 12 minutes -
@Higgins said in Manawatu v Magpies:
Oh dear, might be a spot of bother for one of the HB players after a rather latish challenge sets a 'Poo player down on the ground in a big heap.
That was Emerson. Didn't look like there was much in it.
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Time to give goal kicking to Toala
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No doubt the weather is affecting the game, but there are some good signs. Our scrum is working well and our line-out drive has led to two tries. Haven't looked at our tackle stats, but I think they're not that flash. While McClutchie's goal kicking - admittedly from difficult angles - isn't going well, the rest of his kicking game is good.
Generally, under the conditions, we're playing reasonably well, but still a lot of improvements to be made.
I hope McNicol's injury isn't too serious
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@Stockcar86 said in Manawatu v Magpies:
Time to give goal kicking to Toala
Exactly what they've done!
