Manawatu v Auckland

[KiwiMurph]

Thought Peita went very well. Would like to see him in the mix at 6 more rather than always playing 2 opensides in Gibson and Choat.

Hopefully both his and Tuipulotu's injuries aren't too bad.

[Dice]

We need to get Ekuasi in the starting line-up. Probably won't happen this week with the short turnaround, but he should definitely be in there next week. There's a bit of young JC in his game.

Hainsworth-Fa'aofo was quality off the bench. Another promising loosie to look out for.

[Duluth]

I was pleased with all of the young forwards. You can see what the team will look like in 2-3 years

Beehre was tidy in the lineout and did plenty of hard carries in the middle of the field. Probably not going to force his way into the top xv this year but will do a reasonable job if needed. He looks like a guy with a high ceiling.

Hamdahn Tuipulotu was impressive. One huge scrum and some very accurate powerful work around the field.

Hopefully in a few weeks the 4 loosies in the 23 will be Choat, Gibson, Ekuasi & Peita (although we know Alama will probably keep picking Pugh)

[ACT Crusader]

Other than that first scrum and a little bit of fringe defence, Auckland played very well.

I do like Luke Campbell’s passing. Very swift from the base without any steps. Pretty accurate too.