Northland Club Rugby 2023
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Good lineup of matches this weekend, am picking 2 away wins, from HH and the Sharks, and only game I think will be tough to pick is the MN/Kamo one, although think MN will take it.
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So all results today went as expected, although MN accounting for Kamo so comprehensively was a bit of a surprise, although pretty much back to full strength with Rush, Craig, Kalani Going and young Jade Stewart at 10 who has returned after being in the Canterbury/Crudaders system for 2 years.
In damp conditions I went to watch OBM host the Western Sharks, who took the lollies to remain unbeaten and sit atop the table.
As I mentioned last week, the OBM pack look a little lightweight, and today they came up against the Sharks 8 which will surely be the biggest in the comp.
Sharks took the game comfortably, and lead only 15-0 at the break, probably should have been more given thier complete dominance up front, particularly at scrumtime.
I thought they'd run away in the 2nd spell, but some less than ideal decisions by the Sharks and some courageous defence by OBM mean that things didnt get away as quick as I expected, also not helped when the Sharks subbed 2/3 of thier front row, pretty much removing the dominance to pretty much parity.
OBM's fullback Takuya Ssito, all 85kg or so of him was very good on defence, on numerous occasions stopping the Sharks 100kg+ Fijian wingers and on one occasion stopping thier rampaging lock, Kaufononga Tausinga who looks to be 125kg+ in full flight, stopping a sure try.
For the Sharks, thier large front row did thier job, young Zackary Willy looks to have a good turn of pace for a big man. As always, Matt Matich was to the fore, running the ball and defending, Tausinga carried the ball up all day, while right wing Jonetani Mateiwai was hard to bring down.
Was also impressed with the slight 10, Jack Bradley, ran things well, and even moved in to play 9 in the 2nd half.
For OBM, their pack tried hard, but were just outmuscled most of the afternoon, while outside Ssito was very good, as was mid-fielder Mitchell Reader who carried strongly, often into the large Sharks pack, his mid-field partner, Nathan Salmon had some good touches, but as a kid who was often then best player in his team, he needs to realise there are other capable players around him now.
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While the weather looks to be average, hopefully it wont affect the games too much as there are a couple that are set to be good clashes:
1 Sharks v 3 HH and 4 Kamo v 5 M/UKKI think despite the table positions, I reckon the toughest game to pic will be the Kamo v M/UKK one, which could go either way, Kamo needing to bounce back from their heavy loss to MN, while M/UKK will want to keep pressing on to get into the top 4.
Game 1 - expect MN will win this one comfortably against a struggling Waipu
Game 2 - home advantage for KK over a much improved Hikurangi
Game 3 - Wellsford to comfortably beat a struggling OBM
Game 4 - I think Sharks pack will have the upper hand giving their big backs plenty of ball and they'll win it in a tight one
Game 5 - Kamo to sneak it
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Only 3 out of picks 5 today...
Pretty concerning that Waipu played MN in the club final last year and had 81 unanswered points scored against them today!
I decided to go watch the unbeaten Sharks at Hora Hora, where I thought the Sharks size would get them over the line, especially in less than ideal conditions.
I was wrong, HH played very well and deserved winners and now sit atop the table.
Sharks almost scored inside the 1st minute after a big break by lock Tausinga, but several phases inside the 22 and HH forced an error, which would turn out to be an issue for the sharks on thier numerous visits to the 22 with a lack of accuracy.
That said, HH were excellent, thier work around the park, scramble d, good running and just general play made it hard for the Sharks to get anything going.
The HH pack stood upto the Sharks at every point, and while in the end the Sharks probably took the scrum battle in a points decision, HH just hit it up and tackled with more urgency and accuracy, and took almost all the chances when they had them.
I am a huge fan of HH #8 Melino Foto, huge work rate on both sides, and some serious gas, if he was to get to NPC, he'd probably be best suited to 7, Kauika-Peterson is also playing bloody well for HH.
I am really looking forward to watching HH FB Tama Anderson's career progress, this kid oozes class and has gas to boot....ran down Sharks 10 (usually wing/FB) Ace Vatuinaruku who is no slouch after he turned Tama in then out and looked like he was gonna go 80 to score.
Dan Hawkins directs so well at this level and as always, courageous on d, no matter who runs at him.
For the Sharks, Matich worked tirelessly as always, although was concerning when he came to thier trainer after seemingly suffering a heavy knock, but he battled on.
Tausinga carried well again, but really the Sharks just lacked accuracy after getting themselves in good spots but just couldnt finish them and couldnt really get thier backs into the game.
Also doesn't appear Marty Veale has yet clocked off as it looked like he was there watching with interest.
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An excellent report, thanks.
I may have a slight bias, but I can't think of a more deserving team to be perched at the top... -
Hope this shitty weather clears cos we have a couple of big games on the card again tomorrow, none moreso than the HH v MN one, while it is 1 v 5, MN have a strong side and after early hiccups look to be building now, the other good game is the sharks v Wellsford with the home side looking to bounce back after thier first loss last week, while Wellsford keen to hit back after a surprise draw against 9th place OBM.
My picks:
could go either way, but KK to squeak past OBM
Sharks to take it over wellsford
the big game, toss of a coin for me, but wonder if the HH pack can deliver again, have a feeling MN will take it
Kamo to take it over Hika, who seem vastly improved on the past 2 seasons
M/KK to comfortably take Waipu
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For the most part, weather was dry, but soggy underfoot, and expect most grounds to be the same.
I went along to watch HH host MN in a very tight tussle, that HH almost stole at the death with multiple phases on the MN line, but the MN defence was resolute and held on to take it 16-10.
Given MN were up 8-3 inside the first 5, I thought it was going to be a higher scoring match than this, but no, was a scrappy tussle.
HH were missing 4 starters, 2 who are influential players, so who knows how things would have gone had they been at full strength.
Jordan Olsen playing at hooker was to the fore, this guy just keeps on keeping on, carrying, tackling, throwing his body around and taking some punishment from the opposition, some borderline legal.
Rob Rush, was very busy, got through alot of work, also liked the look of wing Jack Colbourne who has a bit of pace but was a made some crucial tackles, he later moved to play 6.
Young Jade Stewart has the tools, but still a bit raw, missed a couple of makeable penalties, and had a kick charged, otherwise his kicking game was pretty good, and not afraid to make his tackles.
For HH, Kauika-Peterson was playing 8 (with no Melino Foto) and was his usual busy abrasive self, while 7 Tiaka Smith was into everything too, always running and hitting hard.
Dan Hawkins put in a good shift, particularly on d, with a brilliant read of play to find himself in the right spot several phases in to smash the MN player into touch, saving what was a certain try, add in several other hits, on forwards and backs, the guy has a huge heart on d.
HH had plenty of chances to win this game, a few wrong options, particularly at the back of rucks may have been crucial and no doubt they will be ruing the missed opportunity as they dropped from 1st to 3rd on the table, although only 8 points separate 1st to 6th.
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Some decent weather forecast this weekend for a change, but with whats fallen, expect a few grounds to still be heavy, particularly the likes of Mid Northern and Wellsford.
1 - Thinking Mid Northern will be too strong for M/KK
2 - While it's a clash of the 2 bottom teams, I think Hikurangi is a bit better than that, so think they might sneak home
3 - Kamo should be too strong for OBM, but expect some feeling in that one with a few OBM lads wearing Kamo colours this year
4 - Despite being at home, think the Sharks will be too strong for KK
5 - Wellsford v HH is probably the game of the round with 3 v 4, Wellsford do seem a bit up and down, and an understrength HH looked good last week v MN, so think they will take the lollies.
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got 4/5 today, but no way would I have picked KK to roll the Sharks, although they do seem a side capable of playing great rugby, they often dont manage it for 80.
Went along to watch Kamo v OBM in the sunshine (finally)
Bit of a patchy game where it was great in patches and messy at other times, Kamo bombed several opportunities through poor handling and decision making, but think OBM were also unlucky not to pick up a BP, particularly in the final 10 where they spent most of inside Kamos 40m.
For Kamo, I like the look of 9 Donald Boyd, has all the tools, has a good kick, pass, looks strong and has gas, right wng Matthew Miller was dangerous and looking for work, some glimpses of class from others, Puru Aboagye scored a cracking try with a good turn of pace for a hooker, mixed performance otherwise, left wing Dyland Hook created and blew a few try scoring oppotunities too (twice he created and blew it in the same movement)
For OBM, number 8 Jarod Byrnes looked sharp the 1st 40, showing the full range of skills for an 8, fast becoming a fan of thier 12 Mitchell Reader, not a big guy but just does things well, runs nice lines and angles and seems to make good decisions. Thier young FB Rylie Cherrington looks handy too, pace and a good kicking game.
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A few games of interest as the top 4 takes shape and teams make thier press for a home semi.
Wellsford after a good start seem a bit inconsistent have KK at home who will be keen to build on the upset over the Sharks....think Wellsford should take it to keep them in touch with the top 4
Sharks are at home to Kamo and ko doubt keen to bounce back against current leaders Kamo, think the Sharks will take this one
OBM are hosting Waipu in what is a bottom of the table clash, OBM to win
Hikurangi host neighbours Mid Northern, who will be too strong for an improving Hikurangi
HH host Moerewa/United Kawakawa and expect them to be too strong for the visitors.
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All bar 1 game went as expected today as Waipu managed thier first win of the season, I understand they called in 8 of thier reserves (mid western's a side) into the match day 23, along with Jonah Mau'u backing up playing the crusaders last night and starting at 8.
Went along to watch HH v M/UKK in dry but windy conditions, and gotta say, one of the best club games I have seen for a while!
Such a great level of skill, some excellent tries and brutal defence.
M/UKK opened the scoring with some slick handling to put young wing Laetin George into space and show his pace over 40m to score in the corner.
HH hit back soon after with a try of thier own, and ended up scoring thier 3rd on the stroke of halftime to lead 17-7, and turning to have the wind at thier backs, looked like they were set to run away with it.
M/UKK werent having any of that and they dominated the territory and spent alot of time in the HH 22 but just couldnt finish thier numerous opportunities.
In the end, a try at the death by M/UKK saw them fall short at 27-22 but earning a well deserved BP, although will rue a missed opportunity of a huge scalp today.
For HH, they only had 1 of thier 1st choice front rowers playing, with Kauika-Peterson at 8 again with Foto out with concussion (leats thats what I think he is out for) and TBH, BKP looks at home there, alot of carries, work on both sides of the ball, just into everything...great seeing him take the ball from the FB and wind up to full pace into the M/UKK line, no inch given, none taken! Hawkins kicking from hand, particularly in the 1st half was superb, I have long been critical of his distance from hand, but today, into the wind, he was getting great distance and made some superb kicks to take the heat off his pack who were under the pump.
Outside of those 2 senior players leading the way, was a good team effort really.Similar for M/UKK, with a good all round team effort, although did like what Ryan Nankivell brings at 10 with his size and acceleration, the M/UKK mid-field carried into hard contact and defended some hard contacts as well, the M/UKK pack did well and certainly had the better of HH at scrumtime and at the breakdown.
HH's win puts them back to the top of the table, while Kamo's loss sees them tumble from 1st to 4th.
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Morewa/Kawakawa hosted Hikurangi last night and had a good 34-12 win.
Most Games today should go to script
Mid Northern will be too strong for OBM
Kamo v Wellsford probably the one toughest to pick, but Kamo to take it
HH should take Kerikeri
Sharks will be too strong for Waipu.Was looking forward to Kamo v Wellsford as the latter are one of 2 sides I haven't got to see yet this year, but have other plans.
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Morewa/Kawakawa hosted Hikurangi last night and had a nice win
Games today
Huge upset with KK rolling top the table HHz otherwise oter results going as expected, although kamo 59-0 over Wellsford a big surprise.
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Today's results went as expected aside From HH being upset be Kk today, and kamo unexpectedly smoking Wellsford 59-0, HH now drop from 1 to 4 as the top 4 starts to look more certain
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so all bar 1 game went to script today, which was Morewa/Kawakawa rolling the Sharks in Kaihu (Dargaville)
I went along to Kamo (3) v HH (4) and the game sadly was not as tight as I had hoped with Kamo taking the lollies 38-17.
Game was very niggly from the outset, with Tiaki Smith (HH) at the centre of it as always.
He ended up getting a YC only minutes after being penalised for a high tackle, when he then charged in shoulder only on someone, what made it worse was Bruce Kauika-Peterson was egging him on and rarking up the ref and AR, after the YC he was spoken to by the ref, along with another HH player, and to add insult to injury, Blake Hohaia was in Smiths face clapping and laughing as he was being carded, I really hate the way players do this.
Was actually one of the better games I have seen by Blake, strong defence, even showed he still has some wheels running 80m to score after an attacking kick (infected club footy too) by Hawkins went awry and Kamo pounced, beat a man and passed to Hohaia, he made several other breaks, but unsurprisingly, he received a YC when the team was on a warning, but game was won then anyway.
Kamo's Nikau Graham at 10 shows glimpses of absolute class, but lacks consistency and probably carrying a few too many kgs too.
Lyric Joyce fired up today, put in some big hits and he and HH's Smith clashed a few times.
HH missing 2 of thier preferred front row (BKP playing at 8 still) and they got smashed up front most of the game, and this is what gave Kamo a huge edge.
HH were also missing Tama Anderson at the back, missing his organisation and pace bringing the ball back.
For Kamo, along with Hohaia, Puru Aboagye at 6, Matt Elia at 8 were both busy, Ben Monaghan was also prominent at lock.
Werent too many standouts for HH, Hawkins had some nice touches, but also when chasing the game, trying a bit hard ended up costing points as well.
Mid Northern just keep marching on, and I'm not seeing anyone at the moment who might be able to stop them.
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A largely predictable round today, with the top sides consolidating thier spot at the top, although Hikurangi gave the Sharks a hurry up and were leading in the final quarter.
I went along to watch HH host OBM, and it was literally a game of 2 halves, with HH totally dominant in the opening half leafing 21-3 while the 2nd was much more even as OBM clawed back into the game.
HH getting back closer to full strength, and did dominate up front for most of the game.
I do like the way BKP plays, but he does like to moan to the ref a bit much.
Melino Foto back at the boot of the scrum was industrious as always, while Tama Anderson kept things under control from the back and certainly looks a smart player, although he was the one to receive a YC for several earlier infringements by his team mates around 75mins.
For OBM, Jarod Byrnes back in what I think is his best spot at 7 was excellent, very busy, carries, although expect he'll be sore after copping a heavy legal tackle from the back as he was hit from the front initially too and was slow getting back in position.
Young Nathan Salmon playing at FB today was always a threat with the ball, and also had the kicking duties but had a period of 3 poor kicks (one from a pen that missed touch and then 2 kicks out on full, one touch finder and then a restart) in a 5 min period, which did result in a try being conceded.
Both sides had some really good periods of play resulting in a pretty good game though.
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A few tough ones to pick today, but largely wont impact the top 4 aside from maybe some position swapping, although if results go as I expect, unlikely
HH should comfortably account for Waipu, athough they are a different beast with Jonah Mau'u and Rory Woods playing (side not yet named but both played last week)
Battle of the North as KK host Morewa/Kawakawa, this could be a good game for the 2 northern sides, M/KK have been travelling well so wouldnt be surprised to see them sneak past KK.
Sharks should take OBM, although they have been a mixed bag this year, and I am unsure if they are still missing Matich this week, if so, an improving OBM will test them, although likely still fall short.
Hikurangi could get past Wellsford who arent really travelling well.
Game of the round is Kamo (2) v Mid Northern (1) which will likely give an indication if anyone will be able to stop MN this year. Earlier at MN, Kamo were soundly beaten, although there were some off field issues with coaching and injuries for Kamo, while today they have named close to full strength, as have MN with both thier super rugby players, Rush & Apoua in the 23, along with Brady Rush returning too
For the sake of the comp, Kamo needs to win, if not, MN going back to back is almost a given.
Both these teams have been named https://www.northlandrugby.co.nz/matchcentre/3341377
