NPC - news, injuries etc
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@Stargazer I see my good Ponsonby boy Freedom Vaha'akolo scored a hatrick today. Otago might have to be my 'other team' this season.
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By the way, one of the commentators of the FPC game between AKL and Naki just said that the law variations from SRA will also be used for the FPC (such as golden point in case of a draw; red card & replacement after 20minutes). I assume that that will also be the case for Mitre 10 Cup? Haven't seen any info about that from NZR.
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Magpies rugby side pipped in final rehearsal
Any team wanting to taste Premiership or Championship glory in the Mitre 10 Cup rugby competitions must have depth.
The Hawke's Bay Magpies, who are among the favourites for this year's Championship title, certainly have depth and in particular in the loose forward department.
Blindside flanker Solomone Funaki, who will be lucky to make the Magpies top 23 when all of the loosies are available, was among the team's best players when they were pipped 31-26 by Auckland in their final rehearsal for the Championship which was played behind closed doors in Rotorua yesterday.
Funaki played the entire match as he did during the previous week's scenario-based hit out against Waikato in Rotorua. Former All Black lock Bryn Evans and former Tonga prop Sona Taumalolo both provided quality impact off the subs bench.
The Magpies played without in-form Highlanders loosie Marino Mikaele-Tu'u and Hurricanes loosie Gareth Evans.
"Auckland fielded a big and tough physical outfit. It was a good hit out and in terms of dress rehearsals we got what we wanted," Magpies manager Mike Smith said.
The Magpies led 21-7 at halftime and 26-7 early in the second half. Auckland scored a converted try late in the second half to snatch victory.
"Auckland ran us down a bit but our boys did well with their goal line defence for most of the match," Smith added.
Openside flanker Brendon O'Connor, wingers Mason Emerson and Jonah Lowe and first five-eighth Lincoln McClutchie scored the Magpies tries. McClutchie also kicked three conversions.
The Magpies Mitre 10 Cup squad will be announced tomorrow and the Magpies open their Championship campaign with an away game against Southland in Invercargill next Sunday.
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@Stargazer said in Mitre 10 Cup - news, injuries etc:
2020 Taranaki squad
geez, thats a pretty strong squad for this level
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@Tim Hard to say with both squads still to be named, but BOP will probably benefit most from the AB7s players being available. IIRC they bolstered their squad with quite a few imports, last year; some of them old-timers. Did these players stay? I know Ainley left, but don't know about the rest.
By the way, will Harbour be strong enough this year, or could they end up being relegated as well? (genuine question, not a dig)
Stuff
Magpies rugby side pipped in final rehearsal
