Magpies v North Harbour

[Higgins]

Nice try all right, especially after continued off sides by the Harbour No 13. He might as well paint some black hoops onto his jersey to make himself an official HB player.

[Nepia]

Duffy in, our defence is bloody poor this year.

[Higgins]

Especially on our left hand side. Bloody unlucky that Duffy should choose this as about the first time he decided to catch the ball all game.
It is starting to look a bit ominous now with scrambling defence and a bit of luck helping the Bay retain the lead at half time

Hawkes Bay 17 - 15 North Harbour

[Stockcar86]

Sun is out for the second half. Good omen

[Stargazer]

Our defence isn't good enough and we're giving away too many penalties, and those of Harbour not always spotted.

[Higgins]

Stargazer said:

Our defence isn't good enough and we're giving away too many penalties, and those of Harbour not always spotted.

[Nepia]

Yellow Card in under the posts.

McClutchie is looking assured.

[Nepia]

And then he does a dumb bomb.

[Higgins]

Who's that Akira Ioane look alike at centre for us today?

[Nepia]

Higgins said:

Who's that Akira Ioane look alike at centre for us today?

Ili - he's our usual centre, one of the Aucklanders. He seems ok.

[Higgins]

Goodness, that was pretty woeful defence close in that let the latest Harbour try in as the Visitors take the lead after about 54 minutes
Hawkes Bay 27 - 29 North Harbour

[Stockcar86]

Looks like whoever scores last wins this one

[Nepia]

Yellow Card makes a try for Weber. The guy can play.

We're currently playing three No.8s in our loose trio.

[Higgins]

Defence now becoming optional as Brad weber waltzes in for a converted try

[Higgins]

Nepia said:

Yellow Card makes a try for Weber. The guy can play.

We're currently playing three No.8s in our loose trio.

I mentioned that in a post earlier this season after I saw him playing for Tech against Central HB earlier this season at Whitmore Park. He was in imperious form against admittedly poor opposition that day

[Nepia]

Higgins said:

Nepia said:

Yellow Card makes a try for Weber. The guy can play.

We're currently playing three No.8s in our loose trio.

I mentioned that in a post earlier this season after I saw him playing for Tech against Central HB earlier this season at Whitmore Park. He was in imperious form against admittedly poor opposition that day

Yeah, he seems mega talented with shitty discipline and his stupid one handed ball carry!

[Nepia]

What a BS penalty!

[Higgins]

We have had a coupe of those today. What about when the retreating Harbor player who picked up the ball that spat out the side of the ruck without putting himself onside immediately before aforesaid penalty? Right in front of the referee too.

[Nepia]

Stupid maul law again in the lead up to the Harbour try.

The Harbour maul was going backwards yet they were allowed to continue and then roll it round the side.

[Stargazer]

I'm pissed off about some of the officiating, but can't blame the ref for our loss. It all went to custard after that long injury break in the 68th minute. A mega lapse of concentration and shitty defence followed and boom, Harbour win easily. At least we got a bonus point out of this game, but this just shouldn't happen again and again.

Thought McClutchie had a good debut. The young lad didn't look out of place and didn't show his age. Kereru-Symes has a big future; I hope he keeps getting the starts. Taulagi and Lowe showing also showing lots of class again today.

Not impressed with Braidwood this season (well, I've never really been impressed tbh). I hope Tim Farrell has the last of his big injuries and can take over next season. I also can't help thinking it's May's last season. Both are well into their thirties. Is Tavita-Metcalfe injured and is he a TH or LH? Can't remember.

Our props and midfielders are clearly our weakest links (the latter mainly on defence). Young blood is available for the frontrow; not so sure about our midfield. Can only think of centre Leo Thompson from this year's Napier 1st XV. Not sure there's a good enough future prospect for the 12 jersey.

Northland next ... on Wednesday.