Counties Manukau v Auckland
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@KiwiMurph I see another NZ U20s player, Sam Slade, is also in the starting line-up. Always interesting to see how these young lads adjust to playing at this level. 11-14, looks awesome on paper. Can't wait to see them on the field.
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@KiwiMurph Trainor was really good against the Reds. Hope he continues that counter attacking form.
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@KiwiMurph said in Counties Manukau v Auckland:
Excited to see how Clarke goes on the wing and the new faces on the bench.
A bit of pressure on Trainor to deliver at this level I think - he's had a year in the Super environment so will be interested to see what he offers.
It's a pity though, given the midfield, they might never get the ball unless they're kick returning.
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@mimic said in Counties Manukau v Auckland:
@KiwiMurph said in Counties Manukau v Auckland:
Excited to see how Clarke goes on the wing and the new faces on the bench.
A bit of pressure on Trainor to deliver at this level I think - he's had a year in the Super environment so will be interested to see what he offers.
It's a pity though, given the midfield, they might never get the ball unless they're kick returning.
Hopefully they won't use Fekitoa that much and sub him for Faiane. Much better midfield with him in there at 12.
Strong looking team.
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@Tim said in Counties Manukau v Auckland:
@Kirwan Faiane is returning from injury.
TJ Faiane is making his way back from a niggle, so will wear the No 23 jersey in what could be his first Auckland appearance since 2014 after two injury-plagued years.
Ahh, good. So Fekitoa is likely temporary cover then. I don't want to select someone leaving unless we have to.
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@Stargazer Yeah from the little i've seen of Slade he's a lock/6 so fascinating to see how he goes. I also just read that Tuipulotu is captain - hopefully it fires him up - he certainly has a lot to prove.
Very true points being made about the midfield - doesnt seem the right balance.
@Tim yeah i'm hopeful Trainor will at least be better than Elkington-MacDonald from last year - a reasonable hope!
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Interesting to see that Josh Kaifa is now listed on the squad page. I wonder if he is injury cover for Seu?
Auckland Rugby Union
Official site of Auckland Rugby Union. Delivering amateur and professional rugby in Auckland City.
Salesi Rayasi is a big boy for a wing:
Height: 1.97m
Weight: 115kg -
Counties Manukau: Luteru Laulala, NIgel Ah Wong, Sam Furniss, Stephen Donald, Tim Nanai-Williams, Baden Kerr, Augustine Pulu (c), Sam Henwood, Fotu Lokotui, Ronald Raamakers, Matiaha Martin, Viliame Rarasea, Kalolo Tuiloma, Gafatasi Su'a, Pauliasi Manu.
Reserves: Joe Royal, Sean Bagshaw, Coree Te Whata-Colley, Daymon Leasuasu,, Viliami Taulani, Jonathan Taumateine, Orbyn Leger, Kalione Hala. -
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@Tim said in Counties Manukau v Auckland:
The NZ TAB has Counties as favourites:
1 Counties 1.60
2 Auckland 2.35
3 Draw 21.00Wow. When I saw that AK team I thought 'way too many professionals and Super players in there for us'
Very surprised CM ranked favourite
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@KiwiMurph said in Counties Manukau v Auckland:
@Tim Good point. Hopefully only that.
That's a good Counties backline.
A very untried one though. Will need to gel on defence against that AK midfield.
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@cgrant said in Counties Manukau v Auckland:
This Auckland squad is made of very young players. Is it the youngest squad of the competition ?
The majority of the squads are very young. I was reading this morning that the average age of the Waikato squad is 23, and that is with Sweeney, Christie and Guildford.
