Waikato v Canterbury (Ranfurly Shield game)
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AFL and NRL grand finals meh, there's no more important game this weekend, or even this year....
BRING IT ON
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from a Northland POV to have any chance of beating Waikato this weekend they need to have a tight win over the Cantabs.
Mooloo!
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I'm not overly confident about this game. We all know that defending the Shield lifts teams immensely and Wednesday night will be no exception. Waikato at home are tough enough, let alone when they're playing for the most coveted silverware in NZ provincial rugby. With Rob Thompson injured, the Canterbury backline loses a lot of experience and spark. I think our best bet is to play for territory and field position, and let our pack grind out a win. We certainly can't match Waikato for speed out wide.
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@WillieTheWaiter
Never confident when it's a shield game. That Log of wood is an inspiration, and I'm sure the Waikato boys will play the game of their lives. Also, Canterbury are down about that many players when you take into account injury and All Black duties. -
Lol All Black duties don't count. Canterbury should win in a canter.
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Canterbury by 20 pts. I expect the Cantabs to dominate the scrum and lineout, and therefore possession, so Waikato will need to make their tackles.
Our only chance is if it's pissing down on Wed night. Good to see Trainor back but obviously Stevenson is a long-term injury.
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@Cantab79 said in Waikato v Canterbury (Ranfurly Shield game):
I'm not overly confident about this game. We all know that defending the Shield lifts teams immensely and Wednesday night will be no exception. Waikato at home are tough enough, let alone when they're playing for the most coveted silverware in NZ provincial rugby. With Rob Thompson injured, the Canterbury backline loses a lot of experience and spark. I think our best bet is to play for territory and field position, and let our pack grind out a win. We certainly can't match Waikato for speed out wide.
Thompson is a big loss. He's a good foil between Richie and Goodhue. But hopefully we will see Barrett into 2nd 5.
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Whilst I'd love for Canterbury to win the Ranfurly Shield, I don't want it to become a distraction for the team. And truth be told, if I had to choose between winning the Ranfurly Shield and winning this Mitre 10 Cup, I'd take the latter every time. That's what will maintain Canterbury's culture of excellence and attract the best young talent to our academy. And that's what will earn players Super Rugby contracts, whether for the Crusaders or one of the other franchises.
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@Cantab79 said in Waikato v Canterbury (Ranfurly Shield game):
Anyone know when the Canterbury team is being named?
Thursday morning......
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Looking at the Canterbury squad for the game v Waikato, they really want the Shield. This looks like the strongest possible team they can field at the moment:
- Alex Hodgman
- Ben Funnell
- Siate Tokolahi
- Scott Barrett
- Dominic Bird
- Reed Prinsep
- Jed Brown
- Luke Whitelock (c)
- Ere Enari
- Richie Mo'unga
- Nathan Earle
- Jordie Barrett
- Jack Goodhue
- Marshall Suckling
- Johnny McNicholl
Reserves:
16. Nathan Vella
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Oli Jager
19. David McDuling
20. Billy Harmon
21. Alby Mathewson
22. Inga Finau
23. Ben Volavola -
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