Scott Barrett had a great game.

This is a good Fijian side. Big men playing European rugby. The ABs kryptonite is not winning physical battle. Good test.

@hydro11 I think that mindset is endemic in our rugby. The high risk option or the players ( coaching tactics ) that take them are often rewarded at lower levels where you get more space. However test matches can sometimes be a grind, and we don’t seem to want to do the hard work ( play the % ) for long enough. Whether it be 2 or 3 more phases or playing it tight into the 60th or 70th minute. They have to learn how to do that especially if they are behind on the scoreboard after 20.

How did they leave Sam Cane on the bench last week. Dumbest selection of all time.

BBs cross kick in 2nd half was worst play of game

Forgot how much I love watching Northland play. Can’t wait for the rest of the season.

Those that talk negatively about NZ provincial rugby ( and individual teams ) don’t understand how great this competition continues to be for NZ rugby - the jewel in the crown. The talent on display is amazing.

But a bit tired of reading articles from hack journalists and listening to ex rugby players acting as commentators who don’t know the players from the opposition team and have no passion for the game they are watching. The comments about Northland before, and after the game on the radio and in print lack any insight into our team.

I guess that’s why this forum is great 😀.

This has been coming for some time. We keep being told that we can play rugby without the ball. Kicking it away. The Wallabies showed that keeping the ball in hand is what matters. Some of our tight forwards struggle with their hands. Tonight they lost the contact as well.

Read has been quality. Captains knock.

@Entertainer15 disagree. We lost it in the forwards an with poor tactical kicking. Their forwards created go forward, won their lineouts and they were tactically miles ahead.

Next World Cup will be more challenging.

Our Junior rugby teams have been beaten up recent years by sides with big forward packs. Development of our tight 5 depth and loose forwards that can win contact will be our challenge. We always have great footballers but size matters as the game gets tighter and defence dominates.

Tua, Milo, Mau’u for me. Thought the whole forward pack played tough. And we were fit enough to stay in the game.

@taniwharugby said in Taranaki v Northland:

@taniwharugby said in Taranaki v Northland:

@Tim said in Taranaki v Northland:

Balked. Crazy.

We have been rudderless at crucial moments last 10 mins

Ffs

Wow...crazy end to the game

But we start with a win - away from home.

@taniwharugby said in Taranaki v Northland:

Wtf

That was terrible reffing. At no stage did we have advantage?

Halfback was asking him about time?

But he misses. Lucky.

What about knock on - no advantage?

Pisi rushing in again

Hawkins can kick goals though

When we go to the backs we go backwards.

Is Hawkins the slowest 1st five ever?

@taniwharugby said in Taranaki v Northland:

@kev he's pretty tall, I expect he will learn from it.

I though we was really good.

@taniwharugby said in Taranaki v Northland:

Good debut by Fono today.

Like to see him carry lower.