Tasman vs Counties

[Duluth]

Mitchell Hunt, Tima Faingaanuku, Kieron Fonotia, David Havili, Caleb Makene, Marty Banks, Billy Guyton; Pete Samu, Shannon Frizell, Tevita Koloamatangi, Alex Ainley (captain), Quinten Strange, Ross Geldenhuys, Andrew Makalio, Kane Hames
Reserves: Jesse MacDonald, Tim Perry, Siua Halanukonuka, Jeff Lepa, Ethan Blackadder, Finlay Christie, Alex Nankivell, Trael Joass

Luteru Laulala, Sione Fifita, Sam Vaka, Cardiff Vaega, Sherwin Stowers, Piers Francis, Augustine Pulu (co-captain); Sootala Fa'aso'o, Jordan Taufua, Jimmy Tupou (co-captain), Matiaha Martin, Viliame Rarasea, Kalolo Tuiloma, Gafatasi Su'a, Sean Bagshaw
Reserves: Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu, Sione Faletau, Matt Vaai, Onosa'i Auva'a, Richard Judd, Joe Ikenasio, Sione Molia

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Looking at the table this game could have a big impact on the semi finals. If Ta$man wins its a 7 way shit fight for 4 spots. If Counties win they temporarily go all the way up to 2nd

TEAM	PLAYED	WIN	DRAW	LOSS	FOR	AGAINST	DIFF	POINTS
Canterbury	7	6	0	1	290	134	156	30
Taranaki	7	5	1	1	215	157	58	25
Counties Man	7	4	0	3	225	184	41	24
Auckland	7	4	0	3	218	201	17	22
Waikato	7	3	1	3	168	165	3	19
Ta$man	6	4	0	2	159	166	-7	18
Hawke's Bay	7	1	0	6	177	292	-115	10

[Duluth]

From a duplicate thread:

@Chris-B. said in Ta$man vs Counties:

Pretty important game in shaping the Top 4. The winner will be in a pretty strong position to grab one of the spots - the loser will be in struggle street.

Unfortunately, Counties has been a bit of a bogey team for Ta$man - I think we struggle a bit with their size and physicality. Missing Captain Christie, which won't help but on the plus side it means they have to play Frizell at blindside, which should strengthen our lineout - which has been the number 1 achilles heel - and makes the pack a bit bigger.

[Hooroo]

@Duluth 6 way fight as surely you can't include Hawkes Bay in that?

[Duluth]

@Hooroo Yeah I counted wrong

[Chris B.]

Shit fight is compounded in that Waikato and Ta$man probably have the easiest last three games:

Waikato - Northland, Hawkes Bay, Wellington

Ta$man - (Counties), Auckland, Harbour, Southland

[Mokey]

I shall be cheering for Ta$man. (I hope that doesn't jinx them.)

[Duluth]

Counties are lucky to only be down by 9 so far

[Chris B.]

12-10 at halftime

Ta$man has played most of the rugby, but Banks has had a bit of an off night with the goalkicking and they leaked a try on one of Counties rare raids.

Plenty of dirt coming in from Counties! If Nutbrown was a hard arse he could easily have pulled a double yellow card - Pulu's "punch" was a bit weak, but the high tackle deserved one!

Citing Commissioner might have a bit to look at.

[Mokey]

Counties look dangerous every time they get the ball, but they haven't done much with it. Shouldn't be as close as it is, pity that Banks has missed a few penalties.

[Chris B.]

Ta$man playing heaps of dumb rugby since halftime.

Wake up!!!

[Hooroo]

That dude should play for Waikato with all those brains!!!

[Chris B.]

Phew - talk about doing it the hard way.

Scrape home - 15-10!

[Mokey]

That was some ugly rugby. Counties couldn't have looked more different to the team that beat Waikato.