Magpies v North Harbour
-
We may have a first-five eighth problem, if Tiaan hasn't recovered from his injury on Saturday and if Pasqualle Dunn gets cited for his two tip-tackles. Dunn was the one replacing Falcon at first five when he got that injury to his face against Counties.
I saw this post on Tiaan's instagram, and the first-choice 10 of the Saracens - Tianua Poto - is also injured.
So, if this happens, will they throw McClutchie in at the deep end, or will they move someone else to 10, with McClutchie on the bench? Tuilagi took over the goal kicking when Falcon couldn't take the kicks, but can he play at 10?
-
Magpies
1 Mark Braidwood (31)
2 Kianu Kereru-Symes (19)
3 Ben May (35)
4 Tom Parsons (28)
5 Michael Allardice (26)
6 Marino Mikaele-Tu'u (20)
7 Josh Kaifa (26)
8 Gareth Evans (cc) (27)
9 Brad Weber (cc) (27)
10 Lincoln McClutchie* (19)
11 Mason Emerson (22)
12 Pasqualle Dunn (24)
13 Stacey Ili (25)
14 Jonah Lowe (22)
15 JJ Taulagi (25)Reserves:
16 Ben Power (21)
17 Joe Apikotoa (22)
18 Pouri Rakete-Stones (21)
19 Geoff Cridge (23)
20 Devan Flanders (19)
21 Folau Fakatava (18)
22 Sasa Tofilau (24)
23 Michael Buckley (23).
Woweee, McClutchie thrown in at the deep end; getting a start on debut. That's the 4th of last year's Hastings Boys champions squad getting into the 23. Only Josiah Tavita-Metcalfe and Danny Toala are still waiting for their debut.
Edited to add the players' age.
-
Interesting call there. Surely that should be an obstruction penalty after Harbour took a quick tap penalty right behind where a Harbour player was getting injury treatment preventing the HB guys putting in a tackle. That's a clear shepherd and a penalty to HB in my book.
-
Especially on our left hand side. Bloody unlucky that Duffy should choose this as about the first time he decided to catch the ball all game.
It is starting to look a bit ominous now with scrambling defence and a bit of luck helping the Bay retain the lead at half timeHawkes Bay 17 - 15 North Harbour
-
Sun is out for the second half. Good omen
-
Looks like whoever scores last wins this one
-
Nepia said:
Yellow Card makes a try for Weber. The guy can play.
We're currently playing three No.8s in our loose trio.
I mentioned that in a post earlier this season after I saw him playing for Tech against Central HB earlier this season at Whitmore Park. He was in imperious form against admittedly poor opposition that day
-
Higgins said:
Nepia said:
Yellow Card makes a try for Weber. The guy can play.
We're currently playing three No.8s in our loose trio.
I mentioned that in a post earlier this season after I saw him playing for Tech against Central HB earlier this season at Whitmore Park. He was in imperious form against admittedly poor opposition that day
Yeah, he seems mega talented with shitty discipline and his stupid one handed ball carry!
-
-
I'm pissed off about some of the officiating, but can't blame the ref for our loss. It all went to custard after that long injury break in the 68th minute. A mega lapse of concentration and shitty defence followed and boom, Harbour win easily. At least we got a bonus point out of this game, but this just shouldn't happen again and again.
Thought McClutchie had a good debut. The young lad didn't look out of place and didn't show his age. Kereru-Symes has a big future; I hope he keeps getting the starts. Taulagi and Lowe showing also showing lots of class again today.
Not impressed with Braidwood this season (well, I've never really been impressed tbh). I hope Tim Farrell has the last of his big injuries and can take over next season. I also can't help thinking it's May's last season. Both are well into their thirties. Is Tavita-Metcalfe injured and is he a TH or LH? Can't remember.
Our props and midfielders are clearly our weakest links (the latter mainly on defence). Young blood is available for the frontrow; not so sure about our midfield. Can only think of centre Leo Thompson from this year's Napier 1st XV. Not sure there's a good enough future prospect for the 12 jersey.
Northland next ... on Wednesday.