Canterbury vs Manawatu

[Stargazer]

Canterbury is not playing well, but Manawatu isn't good enough to take advantage of it.

Half time: Canterbury 12 - 13 Manawatu

Now switching to radio commentary before I throw something at the tv because Justin Marshall is so annoying.

[Stargazer]

That was a very good try from Makene. Speed.

[Stargazer]

Cameron misses the conversion.

17 - 13 Canterbury

[Stargazer]

If Cameron is the 3rd first five-eighth for the Crusaders next season, they should get worried if either Mo'unga or Hunt goes down. Now I think of it, Mo'unga will have mandatory rest days ...

[Stargazer]

Haha, it's like he read my comment! First a good kick at goal, and now Cameron scores a great (bonus point) try!

Canterbury leads 27 - 16.

[shark]

Yep I like what Cameron is doing tonight. His kicking out of hand has been good as well.

Pity Nisbo can't tell which of our locks is which.

[Stargazer]

Haha, the radio commentators (including Corey Flynn) are commenting on the huge size of Romano's chest. "Massive".

[shark]

Laney also just referred to Dalziel as Dunshea. Is there a problem with the numbers or something?

[Stargazer]

Bridge is excellent under the high ball.

[Stargazer]

Good passage of play (good ball handling) there from Canterbury. Very good try from Romano.

34 - 16 Canterbury

[Stargazer]

Good try from Manawatu. That brings the margin where I want it to be.

34 - 23 Canterbury

[Stargazer]

Cameron off for a HIA; Makene to 10.

[shark]

Uh oh marshy talking about McKay being a natural first five. That might upset a poster who doesn't like that kind of talk. However it was Makene who went into 10 for Cameron.

[Stargazer]

Full time: Canterbury 34 -23 Manawatu.
No bonus point for the Turbos.

[shark]

Christie made a heap of tackles after he came on. None of them particularly telling, and nor did I notice him securing any turnover ball, but good work rate.

[Stargazer]

Romano was awesome from the moment he came on. If they take a 4th lock on the EOYT, he should be in the ABs squad again.

[Gumboot]

@stargazer said in Canterbury vs Manawatu:

Romano was awesome from the moment he came on. If they take a 4th lock on the EOYT, he should be in the ABs squad again.

Yes and looking further to the RWC it's reassuring that he's in such good nick. Would be great if Tuipulotu comes right as well.

[ACT Crusader]

@stargazer said in Canterbury vs Manawatu:

Romano was awesome from the moment he came on. If they take a 4th lock on the EOYT, he should be in the ABs squad again.

Not sure about that. I think Romano will only be in the mix if one of Whitelock or Retallick get injured and they need experience as insurance.

If they want to take a 4th lock they should look at a younger player as development opportunity.

[Machpants]

A bit like Todd, they know he can come straight in the team and do a job. So permanent standby instead of place, maybe.

[SammyC]

Good crowd for a Thursday night and an enjoyable night out.

We are pretty difficult watch after the domination in recent years. Cameron with Burliegh outside him seem unable to get the backline going at all, they stand deep and play the game at such a slow pace..

Cameron scored a good try, made some good kicks but let himself down with a couple of appalling missed tackles and a charge down that almost resulted in a Manawatu try. I really hope we've got better options at the Crusaders for a 3rd first five behind Richie and Hunt.

Dalzeill is ineffective, Romano should be starting. Dunshea plays too loose for a lock I reckon, he'd fit right in at the Blues next year if we don't offer him a contract.