Otago v Hawke's Bay

[Stargazer]

@number-10 Yeah, I agree with that. My guess is that either Ulufonua got injured during training and that that's the reason for Tremain's inclusion; or, he was under an injury cloud and he didn't get named, but was cleared in time for the game tonight. It's a pity we don't know which line-up is the most up-to-date one, but I guess we'll find out tonight.

[Stockcar86]

So that's what Ben Herring looks like without a mullet

[Stockcar86]

It really looks like Faddis' abilities have followed his hair and vanished. Can't believe he was the NPC player of the year a couple of years ago

[Stockcar86]

I'm really liking the loose forward balance of the Magpies currently. Hopefully they all stay injury free

[Higgins]

@stockcar86 Was that held up or do we have a visually challenged referee and touch judge?

[Stockcar86]

No harm in checking is there?

[gt12]

What a strange end to the half. Not even a replay either.

[Higgins]

Certainly not, it looked pretty good from where I was sitting but then again I do see things rather optimistically when it comes to my team.
With a bit of luck some of the passing will be a bit more accurate in the second half. Or maybe that should read some of the catching be a bit better. It looked a bit like simply pass it along and hope for the best.

[Stargazer]

I think we were robbed there. Ref should at least have gone to the TMO to check.

[Higgins]

Here comes a try!

[Higgins]

About time too for the yellow card, pity it wasn't for one of their forwards.

[Higgins]

Yes, just as predicted, try HB to B May. Otago 17 - 19 Hawkes Bay after 50 minutes

[Higgins]

Clear forward pass, right in front of said visually challenged referee and touch judge. Luckily we scramble out of it thanks to Ash Dixon getting under the Otago player for a held up ruling in the in-goal area.

[Stockcar86]

Referee finally sees the third knock on by Otago in that movement

[Higgins]

Another clear Otago forward pass followed by a knock on missed, yet again

[Higgins]

TRY HB, to Mason Emerson who showed good pace as he blitzed his way down the left hand touchline to score in the corner

[Higgins]

And Brad Weber follows Emerson's lead a couple of minutes later to score in exactly the same spot Otago 20 - 31 Hawkes Bay after 66 minutes

[Higgins]

Some Canterbury like finishing to run down the final three minutes going on here

[Stockcar86]

Shame on you @Higgins comparing us to them...

[Stargazer]

Yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss. A second bonus point win!