v Hawkes Bay
-
Couldn't quite finish off. Wanted them to go for 4th try in 65th minute instead of penalty. What followed was classic Northland. Hawkins kick - wtf?, white line fever, but we got it done...unfortunately we need 1 more point from the last game to guarantee finals. Otherwise we rely mostly I think on Waikato beating BOP.
-
@kev wtf was that kick, we missed what happened.
We need to start holding some of those passes and just better ball security.
If Jone is fit id like to see him, Solomon & Rene as our back 3.
We need points from Wellington, we would need to play outstandingly (which could happen) to beat them, but getting BPs will be vital, although we have struggled with BPs this season.
-
@taniwharugby I turned from the TV but presume he just kicked crossfield poorly...
-
Good win.
Backs looked to be back to their best after a couple of weeks being off their game.
Lineout much better.
The commentators made themselves look pretty bloody silly with that non-try by Vaenga. It was a clear and obvious knock on yet they tried to have us believe that is was a clear and obvious try.
Thought we made really hard work of it getting the bonus point. Looked like we were trying to score off every play, taking low % options when all they needed to do was show some patience and the HB defence would have cracked.
All in all, good to put away a team that we were expected to put away.
She's going to be an interesting last week.
-
in other years, 18-20 points makes the top 4, not this year, which must mean more CHampionship sides beat Premiership sides??
@Gunner Just lacking polish, otherwise we coulda put 50 on them I reckon, blew numerous chances, only Ihaia West seemed to seriously threaten our line consistently.
From where we were sitting, it looked a try, but then we were in the back row of the cheap seats
-
@taniwharugby we could have...but really pleased with the power of the fowards and the cut of the backs.
-
Great game, HB were no easy beats that was a grinding 5 point win. Much better game management, particularly while Nock was off. Captains decision were vital during that time.
What a crowd! -
We were made to work for that bonus point, but all in all a much better performance than last week.
It always looked as though we had Shield Snorters at arms length, although there were still a few handling errors and discipline lapses which left a fair few points out there.
Wrapt with the way Dan Pryor stepped up today, he was outstanding, he carried with power and pretty much picked up where Ram left off. His leadership was invaluable too.
Hopefully we have Macilai there next week for Wellington, we need him back asap, as I think he needs to slot in for Wright, who made a few too many errors again. He shows a good turn of pace, but coughs up a bit of pill at times..
We need to go down and throw the kitchen sink at Wellington. I believe we can beat these guys, we just need to click like we did against Waikato. We are still the masters of our own fate and have a shitload more to play for than them. Get our execution on point, and we could take the points..
-
this team is so close to a complete performance, we have a good scrum, our lineout functions most of the time, we are good at the breakdown, good defence, have good ball runners and pace...if it all comes together, we can beat Wellington.
Our destiny is in our own hands though, sure we might still get through if we lose and other results go our way, but if we win, we take the other variables out.
-
@taniwharugby totally agree. This next match will be like our test match, it'll hands down be our toughest assignment this year.
Wellington are a funny one with their current situation. They are signed and sealed at the top. Does this mean they take the foot off the throat? Or do they crack on like they did against Southland last night? Be intrigued to see what mindset they bring to this one.
As you mentioned yesterday TR, they should just default!! 😂
-
@Gunner watched the game on TV and yep, cant believe the Comms thought that was a try, clear touch/knock, then force...clear knock.
Cant understand WTF we thought we were up to with the cross-field kick from the penalty at about 74mins, we werent even in the hunt to get there
Also the held up just prior, interesting the ref said to Bond I think it was had wrestled his way free and then got the ball down, the ref said no you were held up you cant then get the ball to the ground or something...yet other times people seem to wrestle for ages over the line and if the ball gets to ground the ref calls it.
-
@taniwharugby said in v Shield Snorters:
Cant understand WTF we thought we were up to with the cross-field kick from the penalty at about 74mins
Yep, this was really weird. Happened just in front of us in the grandstand, and was a real head scratcher. There was 6 minutes left and Northland were in the lead! Just silly stuff.
Also the held up just prior, .... people seem to wrestle for ages over the line and if the ball gets to ground the ref calls it.
... and the rule interpretation just changes from week to week. The laws are so widely inteprreted I think it has a negative effect on the game. The ref in SA NZ was a good example - totally abandoned refereeing the ruck, scrum or lineout.
-
@taniwharugby as good as this was I have just watched the highlights of Auckland 43 vs Northland 44 for the 4th time. Thanks TR. It frankly does not get better than that. Against a team stacked full of ABs and us with a bunch of no names (some really good ones) and a kid straight from a Fijian village who runs past Doug Howlett like he has just pulled his hammy. Outstanding.
-
@kev that's easily my favourite sporting moment. Against our biggest rival at their home ground with a crazy last minute clutch play. Was just brilliant!
Worst thing for me about the game yesterday was having to listen to Steven Bates commentary.
Was bloody good getting a 4 try bonus point because I don't think we played overly well. It was like we couldn't get out of second gear. The HB team isn't bad - just seem inexperienced, you would have to think in a season or 2 with a smaller injury list they're going to be quite strong. The bonus point could prove crucial for play off places. Seems crazy we're in 2nd place going into the last round and are being ranked as the outsiders to make the semi finals!
Solomon Alaimalo should definitely stay at fullback - that's easily his best spot. Surely he will edge Stevenson for the Chiefs 15 jersey given his form and all round game. With Wellington coming up it would be very handy to get Jone Macilai back on that left wing - we might need him! Agree with @J77 that Matt Wright is most under threat. Would like to see Tamati Tua with more game time but can't see a starting spot for him - Hyland hasn't done anything to warrant losing his spot.
Again thought Sam Nock was good bar the silly YC. I guess it's easier for a halfback to stand out in a winning team but thought he looked much sharper than Weber in this game.
I still think we're better with Ram at 6. Douglas is a good player, but for me Ram suits the game plan better.
This weeks game is so important. We've been so much better this year but might be all for nothing if we don't get a result this week
-
@chiefy07 we have real selection issues. Ram has been one of my fowards of the year so he should start.Tua deserves to start as well but he is a midfielder and with Ranger and Goodhue playing so well tough to fit him in. With Josh Goodhue really establishing himself with his physical presence, and with Bond / Douglas we have great locking options as well.
-
Im ok with Ram on the bench if they have DOuglas at 6, but Ram must play at some point, which obviously means Kara gets left out (as I'd have Matiu as the other loosie) but TBF he has been pretty quiet this year bar picking up a few too many penalties.
I think you put Tua at 13 as they did at the start and push Ranger to the wing, Wright has been disappointing, his hands have let him down unfortunately, although does look a shade quicker than I remember.
Hyland had been good up until the past few weeks, where teams have been putting the ball in behind him and he is struggling to get back and we have been exposed.
Assuming Macilai is fit, you have him, Ranger and Alaimalo at the back.
-