Steamers v Taranaki
-
The team looks like a solid top four chance this year. I agree that the final would look like success, though I'm not sure how easily we'll get past Wellington or Northland. Lack of injuries will be the key - with Delany, Karpik, & Parate in the mix I think we'd have a good chance...
-
Its interesting. We are still in the bottom half of the stats across both divisions for all the attacking stats. Our scrum rates near the bottom but surprisingly our lineout is near the top. Despite that I get the feeling BOP have never had a complete performance yet and are possibly capable of beating most teams . I think Wellington is beatable without Shields, Fifita and To'omaga Allen who are all out at the moment and don't forget we had a big lead against Northland early on.But we shouldn't forget that this is Bay of Plenty and inconsistency has always been their problem
-
I agree with you Snollygoster - we have played well below our potential and are yet to have a breakout game. AS YOU SAY, Wellington could also be beatable without their big guns.
I'd like to see some forward dominance v Naki as a minimum towards improving our final chances.
-
Hmm? The scrum may struggle a tad (as it has most of the season) but the lineout should be okay (Taranaki has one of the worst lineouts in the comp). They will miss Blake who is one of the top tacklers in both divisions.
The backs look okay but will miss Delany's nous and kicking skills. Taranaki has a classy backline which is a worry but with the expected rain and howling winds I'm guessing it will be a forward orientated grind which may help us.
As is usual the TAB doesn't give us a chance and even the local Taranaki press describes The Bay as the easiest opposition Taranaki has faced this year. I can't wait !
-
@Donsteppa I'm guessing so. He did play most of the club season as halfback.
-
Hi all, typical BoP performance, mixed bag, however considering 8 changes to starting line up and they will have a closer eye on Southland next week, I think they will be happy only 8 behind Naki.
If we stay close, spoil their ball, have a better scrum effort we could cause problems especially when our subs come on... hopefully, dreaming..go the bay! At least we can say that lol!
Fucking try already ...
