The Bay v Tasman

bayimports

yeah im also guessing that's why Ratave came out of no where (wider group) into starting team last week, i think we are down a few key players, especially in the backs.

All very good having a great squad on paper, but if they can't stay fit then it doesn't help

Stargazer

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Tim

Could be an upset here.

taniwharugby

@tim not that my tipping is anything to go by, but I've gone BOP to win

bayimports

slight change in team, Onisi Ratave obviously still not cleared

https://www.facebook.com/boprugby/photos/a.176893255654560/4738104466200060

cgrant

On paper, the Bay forwards look far better.

Duluth

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ARHS

Hmmm. Bop backs look stronger here. Might have a shot.

Snollygoster

I'm somewhat surprised by everyone's expectations. I watched the North Harbour pre season game last week and we definitely weren't "world beaters". Sure, we have on paper some impressive players but the team is basically untested and people seem to forget that we are playing the reigning champions who are full of talent. Also our bench is pretty average to say the least which I fear will be our achilles heal this year. Anyway, I would dearly love to be proven wrong (and maybe I'm just saying this to soften the blow of a loss). I can't wait for the game though.

bayimports

@snollygoster said in The Bay v Ta$man:

I'm somewhat surprised by everyone's expectations. I watched the North Harbour pre season game last week and we definitely weren't "world beaters". Sure, we have on paper some impressive players but the team is basically untested and people seem to forget that we are playing the reigning champions who are full of talent. Also our bench is pretty average to say the least which I fear will be our achilles heal this year. Anyway, I would dearly love to be proven wrong (and maybe I'm just saying this to soften the blow of a loss). I can't wait for the game though.

I agree, I don’t think we have played enough together yet, so am not expecting to win. Also just read Lucas Cashmore and Cassius Misa added to game day team due to late outs.

KiwiPie

In the pub before going to the game. Dry now but dark clouds and it's cold. I picked Ta$man to win, hoping as usual I am horribly wrong.

KiwiMurph

Lomax a late inclusion for Ta$man

Chris B.

That's not a very strong looking Ta$man team.

The bench has a fair bit of cavalry, but the starting XV looks a bit B-team.

A loss will not surprise me..

KiwiMurph

Since moving to left wing in Super Rugby Trans Ta$man Telea has been really sharp in that position.

Chris B.

13-7 to Ta$man at halftime.

I've only seen a bit of this, but the Ta$man backs looking good in the last 10 minutes. Telea doing plenty of good stuff in that period, KiwiMurph.

bayimports

Yes in front and based on most of possession and early dominance is probably fair, although the bay butchered one try and just as well forward passes are allowed in this game which allowed one of Tasmans...however in front for now

KiwiMurph

Campbell and Trask combining nicely.

bayimports

Ta$man forwards starting to dominate and scoring again as a result Ta$man 27-14

bayimports

Although they look good in patches, I don't think the Bay have used the wind in the second half nearly enough. Keep playing into Ta$man game plan. Our wingers completely schooled by the Ta$man pair all day. Bay hanging in there, but Ta$man still deservedly in front 27-14

Shout out to Blair..congrats on your sons debut

Stargazer

Good to see Fetuli Paea return from injury. It's been a long time on the sidelines for him.

The Silver Fern

The Bay v Tasman