Tasman vs Canterbury
-
Wow. Surprised to see such a strong side. It's only Ta$man..... 😎
Bridge at fullback is an interesting decision.
-
Ta$man Mako$: 15 James Lowe, 14 Tima Faingaanuku, 13 Alex Nankivell, 12 Trael Joass, 11 Viliami Lolohea, 10 Mitchell Hunt, 9 Billy Guyton; 8 Shannon Frizell, 7 Pete Samu, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Quinten Strange, 4 Alex Ainley (c), 3 Siua Halanukonuka, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Tim Perry.
Bench: 16 Ti'i Paulo, 17 Tom Hill, 18 Kane Hames, 19 Tone Ng Shiu, 20 Willis Scott, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Tim O'Malley, 23 Levi Aumua.https://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/sport/95862431/tasman-Mako$-named-for-opening-match
-
@KiwiMurph It's only Canterbury.
I think Lowe at fullback is pretty much enforced, since Jordan is apparently ill or injured and Havili is not released to play. Bit disappointing, because I was looking forward to seeing Jordan with Lowe and Tima.
Similarly the loose forward mix. First choice mix would probably be Taufua, Samu and Fredericks.
Guyton was first choice for the Mako$ ahead of Christie last year, so I guess he's being given first crack this year.
Not considered for selection through injury or illness are utility loose forwards Vernon Fredericks and Jordan Taufua, fullback Will Jordan, prop Ryan Cozon and lock Pari Pari Parkinson. David Havili, a member of the All Blacks squad, has trained with the team but is not cleared to play.
-
@Chris-B. Interesting that Havili is not cleared to play. NMS has also been released by the ABs but is available for selection. I assume that they don't want to risk Havili getting injured because Dagg has a niggle, Jordie is out for the season and BFA is only available for Bledisloe I and II?
-
@Stargazer Yeah - probably. But, maybe also because he's had a lot of minutes for the Crusaders.
Or, maybe it's part of the NZRU conspiracy against the Mako$ - we never got a minute out of Squire last year, while other teams frequently lined up with ABs againbst us. AND we never get a Shield Challenge.
-
Looks like Hunt has been told to tank his kicks or no Crusaders contract next year
-
surprised they didnt go back to that tackle for the Cantab winger on the Ta$man guy on his knees...
-
Is M10 Cup still the old BP system, ie 4T = 1 BP.
-
@taniwharugby Yes, that "3 more than the opponent" bonus point is a SANZAAR rule, not World Rugby.
-
It's only Ta$man....
Shame that Dunshea (shin) chip and chase didn't come off.
Loved how flat we played and the offload game was on song. I know it's only two games into the season but I predict the Thompson/Bateman midfield will be the best of the comp
-
A bit flattering score for Canterbury. Ta$man wasn't as bad as the score suggests (except maybe at the end). Great game from Dunshea, Bateman, Mo'unga, Sanders and Whitelock. Strange and Perry were probably the best for Ta$man. Good to see Paulo back playing in NZ.