v Taranaki
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So, I feel we missed a huge opportunity to get a rare win over Auckland on Sunday, but need to flush the dunny and move on to a potentially more daunting prospect of Taranaki.
Obviously got taught a lesson by BOP, were looking likely for a huge win over Manawatu but fell off the pace in the last half hour, hopefully a sign thier conditioning isnt up to it given they are playing tonight and again on Sunday.
We need an 80 minute effort this week, we have put in 2 good halves of rugby, but bookended by a poor opening half v NH and a poor 2nd 40 v Auckland.
For me a little tweaking to the line up is required:
Wright, Moulds, Rinakama
Douglas, Goodhue
Robinson, Matich, Pryor
Nock, Debrezceni
Hohaia, Tua/Ranger
Gregory/Ranger, Wright, HylandOlsen, Tu'ungafasi, Straker, Matiu, McNamara, Kitto, Thoroughgood, Gregory/Tua
Would like a positional change between Douglas and Robinson, and maybe pushing Tua to the bench, and starting Gregory on the wing, although I do prefer Ranger on the wing where he can roam more.
Matt Wright needs to tidy up parts of his game, does something great and then something bad...maybe move Debrezceni to the back and give Thoroughgood a shot, I'm interested to see how he goes, had glimpses of his talent.
We can win this game, but will need to put in at least 60 mins of good work this week, a half will not be enough again.
While still plenty of games to dust off and get back up, confidence is key, and losing 3 on the bounce, can dent that.
If we can pick up at least a BP from this game, even if we lose but stay in the fight and push them, I'll leave Okara happier this Sunday than last...
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@taniwharugby said in v Taranaki:
maybe pushing Tua to the bench, and starting Gregory on the wing, although I do prefer Ranger on the wing where he can roam more
Just select Gregory in the midfield
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@duluth yep Gregory to midfield is my option too.
Hopefully we can take advantage of Taranakis short turnaround. No better time to strike them.
I know it’s early, but to me this is must win. If not I can see us dipping out of top four contention as we still have some tough away games to come against performing opponents (BOP, Shield Snorters).. plus we have an away crossover against CM who we have struggled against the last decade or so..
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@taniwharugby I see what you’re doing bro. Reverse psychology. I’m not even making a prediction, but did I mention I have Naki in my picks??..
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I think we should back the guys to turn it around:
- Tua to have another shot. Ranger to stay on wing. Get Hyland into game early. Gregory and Thoroughgood to get more game time.
- Matt Wright has always been a favourite but got caught on defence and had the ball stripped on attack. Two tries resulted. So big game expected from him. Best when he plays that DMac role injecting himself at second phase.
- Rinakama looked off the pace around the field so more energy required and maybe early sub.
- we lost our shape in 2nd half by trying too much, and not controlling the ball so better discipline even when behind. Less 50/50 balls.
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big blow to Taranaki with Angus Ta'avao going into AB camp on Sunday, and yep as @J77 says, they look beatable.
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@taniwharugby that’s a bit of luck for us with Angus out. Tough for them losing their skipper.
Sure up our ruck and midfield defence and we’re in with a crack. Need to defend like we did against North Harbour.
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@taniwharugby yep, really impressed with Nock last week. Good to have Kitto snapping at his heels as well. Maybe the blues need to look at those two plus Fukofuka (sp?) for next year.. That’s if Pulu is going??
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@j77 Yep those wheels Nock showed in mowing down Nanai were surprising, and given some of his defence for the Blues was poor, he was very good in the Auckland game.
Hopefully some real pressure from Kitto will be the catalyst Nock needs.
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@taniwharugby maybe a franchise change will do Nock good. Did I hear rumours the Highlanders were looking at him? Probably way off the mark, but I’m sure I heard that somewhere.
