Hawke's Bay v Counties Manukau
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Hawkes Bay return to McLean Park this week for there 2nd round clash with Counties. Normally that would be a fairly comforting thought. But let's be honest after last week in Invercargill it's not. Like Southland, Counties have a class prop in Nepo Laila, and let's not forget Kieran Read, and Dalton Papalii. Having seen there game against Ta$man there backline doesn't fill you with fear, but not did Hawkes Bays. For Hawkes Bay to win this game there needs to be a change of selection in several positions, a plan B when the going gets tough, and lastly a change of attitude from some of the players. Stop reading your own press, and believing it. Some media may have you favourites for the Championship, but that gives you no right to believe it, and think opposition will lie down for you. There's no doubt Hawkes Bay are capable of winning this game and quite frankly should, but Magpies fans will want a change of attitude, and a show of intent. Too much to ask? If your Mark Ozich, and the Coaching team you wouldn't ask. You'd demand it.
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@Billsy111 I didn't see the attitude you speak of. They just played badly and didn't deal with the conditions well. I didn't see complacency or laziness, just lack of urgency, especially on defence, which was a problem early in the 2019 season, too.
Our main problem is our inept midfield when Toala isn't playing, and lack of leadership at the back of the pack when Gareth Evans isn't there. Not sure how far he is from returning, but I'd like to see him at 7 instead of O'Connor and keep both Flanders/Mikaele-Tu'u in the starting line-up (maybe swap their jerseys?). This week, Brad Weber should start; his experience will help McClutchie, who looked like one of the few trying on attack but was a little lost without any support from Sapsford (hence the turnovers). Hopefully, the weather will be good and the ball will reach the outside backs more. Lowe was probably our best back, last week, and he needs to get his hands on the ball more.
I'd also like to see Lolagi Visinia get a start, maybe at 13, moving Ili to 12 and Sapsford to the bench. Is it too soon to kick Baker out of the starting line-up? I prefer Caleb Makene at fullback.
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HAWKE'S BAY (as in the HB Today)
15 Kurt Baker
14 Lolagi Visinia
13 Stacey Ili
12 Ollie Sapsford
11 Jonah Lowe
10 Lincoln McClutchie
9 Brad Weber
8 Devan Flanders
7 Brendon O'Connor
6 Marino Mikaele-Tu'u
5 Tom Parsons
4 Geoff Cridge
3 Joe Apikotoa
2 Ash Dixon
1 Pouri Rakete-Stones16 Kianu Kereru-Symes
17 Jason Long
18 Joel Hintz
19 Isaia Walker-Leawere
20 Solomone Funaki
21 Folau Fakatava
22 Caleb Makene
23 Danny Toala -
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@KiwiMurph said in Hawkes Bay v Counties Manukau:
@Crucial Read isn't available this week - as part of the agreement with his Japanese club
Cheers. I missed what the arrangements are. Do you know?
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@Crucial I posted something I read in the paper after the Ta$man game. Read was only allowed to play 40 mins in that game and is likely to miss most of CM's away games.
Here it is:
Counties play Hawke’s Bay in Napier next weekend, but Read revealed he won’t be playing, as the deal between his Japanese club Toyota and Counties Manukau does have some playing restrictions to it, which included only playing 40 minutes in this game. “We’re working with my Japan club in terms of minutes,” he said. “So 40 minutes today and it felt good and we’ll work to progress that as we move through the season.” Stuff understands Read will be available to play 80 minutes for Counties in two week’s time, against Northland, but may have to miss one or two away games after that. “I’ll probably be good to go from now on, but I’m not playing every game,” he said. “I’m not available for every game this year, so it will depend, but when I do play from now on, I’m good to play as long as they want me to.” -
@Bovidae said in Hawkes Bay v Counties Manukau:
@Crucial I posted something I read in the paper after the Ta$man game. Read was only allowed to play 40 mins in that game and is likely to miss most of CM's away games.
Here it is:
Counties play Hawke’s Bay in Napier next weekend, but Read revealed he won’t be playing, as the deal between his Japanese club Toyota and Counties Manukau does have some playing restrictions to it, which included only playing 40 minutes in this game. “We’re working with my Japan club in terms of minutes,” he said. “So 40 minutes today and it felt good and we’ll work to progress that as we move through the season.” Stuff understands Read will be available to play 80 minutes for Counties in two week’s time, against Northland, but may have to miss one or two away games after that. “I’ll probably be good to go from now on, but I’m not playing every game,” he said. “I’m not available for every game this year, so it will depend, but when I do play from now on, I’m good to play as long as they want me to.”That doesn't say he will miss this one. I guess we will find out.
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@Crucial said in Hawkes Bay v Counties Manukau:
@Bovidae said in Hawkes Bay v Counties Manukau:
@Crucial The first line in that sentence?
You expect reading comprehension on a Friday morning? Fuck your expectations are high!
The journo was David Long, who has admitted that he has often been wrong with predictions, so you never know...
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Counties Manukau PIC Steelers: 1. Ezekiel Lindenmuth, 2. Zuriel Togiatama, 3. Nepo Laulala, 4. Matiaha Martin, 5. Mickey Woolliams, 6. Johnny Kawau, 7. Dalton Papalii, 8. Sam Slade, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Baden Kerr, 11. Kalione Hala, 12. Orbyn Leger (capt), 13. Luteru Laulala, 14. Kirisi Kuridrania, 15. Etene Nanai-Seturo. Reserves: Shaun Muir, Clinton Malolua, Conan O’Donnell, Potu Leavasa, Viliama Taulani, Pele Cowley, Jason Robertson, Latiume Fosita
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