Auckland v Hawke's Bay

[delicatessen]

@Stargazer said in Auckland v Hawke's Bay:

The Magpies will also wear their charity jersey.

https://www.sporty.co.nz/magpies/newsarticle/130321

All the decent sizes sold out - wonder if they're just doing the one run of these?

[Stargazer]

@delicatessen I have no idea. If you want one, maybe ask the union?

[Duluth]

This team is listed on the NPC site but not posted by Auckland yet

1 Josh Fusitua
2 Soane Vikena
3 Angus Ta'avao
4 Patrick Tuipulotu
5 Josh Beehre
6 Adrian Choat
7 Blake Gibson
8 Akira Ioane
9 Kalani Thomas
10 Zarn Sullivan
11 Salesi Rayasi
12 Harry Plummer
13 Bryce Heem
14 AJ Lam
15 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

16 Leni Apisai
17 Ben Ake
18 Sione Ahio
19 Hamish Dalzell
20 Che Clark
21 Taufa Funaki
22 Corey Evans
23 Caleb Tangitaustrikethrough text Sione Tuipulotu

[Stargazer]

Seriously weakened squad with props Tim Farrell, Joel Hintz and (for the rest of the season) Joe 'Apikotoa unavailable. So we have our first choice LH prop at TH, our reserve hooker as reserve LH prop and a new player making his debut in the 18 jersey. Then a debutant at reserve hooker. Also no Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, who must be injured and a very green, 19-year old loosie starting at 6. Jonah Lowe also injured or on baby-watch.

On a positive note: Stacey Ili is back and on the bench instead of Grigg.

[Duluth]

Hawkes Bay are due a win

The Magpies will be chasing Hawke’s Bay’s first national provincial rugby championship match win at Auckland fortress Eden Park in 54 years on Saturday.

Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union archivist Adrian Hill confirmed this week the Magpies have not beaten Auckland in Auckland since 1969 — a penalty and a dropped goal to Auckland’s three-point try in the last year of the Magpies’ 1966-1969 Ranfurly Shield reign.

[Duluth]

Isi Tu'ungafasi, Josh Kaifa, Lolagi Visnia & Stacey Ili all played for Auckland in 2016 (I wasn't sure if they were all around at the same time)

[Higgins]

I still remain ever hopeful as the starting lineup overall looks serviceable, with question marks still over the midfield. Wouldn't want too many injuries either, particularly in the front row. With the all important matter of the clash between two of the unbeaten Tipping Teams (HB V Wai-Bush) I may have to seriously consider tipping against HB as I have not got super positive vibes about this one. Will still be vigorously supporting HB on the playing field naturally.

Just a reminder to @stargazer @Paj @Propiscle @stockcar86 to get your tips in so we hve a full muster again to give us a decent chance of victory as I don't want to have to face the consequences of the text messages and phone calls I get if the Bush mob fluke a win over us. It promises to be a tough week with a number of games that could go either way so all the best of luck with your deliberations. Tips in by 7.05pm tonight please.

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Fill out the form to submit your tips

[george33]

Sione Tuipolotu on bench

[Duluth]

Thanks, corrected the earlier post. Auckland has put the team up on social media now. Sione Tuipulotu is on the bench not Dalzell

[Stargazer]

[Stargazer]

Changes to the Auckland squad: Plummer out, Heem to 12, Corey Evens starting at 13. Not sure who has come onto the bench.

[Duluth]

@Stargazer McKenzie

[Duluth]

More pressure on Sullivan’s kicking game. Plummer has been doing a decent chunk of the kicking from hand

[Duluth]

Powerful and accurate start

[Nepia]

Eek, not a good start in the big match of the day.

[Stockcar86]

Magpies defence is a bit passive

[KiwiMurph]

Wonderful try Auckland. Smooth.

[Duluth]

Nice

Auckland backs are at a deep angle today. Seems to be working

[KiwiMurph]

Hey look - a 10 who can exit.....

[Duluth]

Choat has been running well today. Not normally a strength of his