Tasman vs Waikato
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="606690" data-time="1471579734">
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<p>I forgot that the stars had aligned and the Hammettuer's biggest fluffer (now that Paj doesn't seem to be around) now gets to fluff him in person and for his favourite team.</p>
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<p>I'm delighted to have him. With our superior management skills we'll undoubtedly get the best out of Hammer.</p>
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<p>Mako$ Board Meeting Agenda Item 1: Hammer</p>
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<p>"Right we've got Hammer. He's bound to want to sack someone - who's it going to be?"</p>
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<p>"Why don't we sign Zac Guildford and let Hammer sack him - get it out of his system?"</p>
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<p>"Good thinking 99 - sorted! What's Agenda Item 2?" :)</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Chris B." data-cid="606683" data-time="1471577560">
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<p>Boyd's experience of coaching Wellington into the second division has apparently turned him into a Supercoach - it's quite incredible what he learned in six months.</p>
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<p>Boyd's been coaching for over 25 years. Try harder.</p> -
<p>The odds look to be against it. :)</p>
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<p>Actually, Finlay was born is Scotland apparently, so Gregor Townsend might keep an eye on him. He looked very useful - might have been our man of the match.</p>
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<p>Scrum went well. Tim Perry is a very good prop at this level and would be good at Super level if he could stay fit. Princep did well for a debutant and was pretty mobile - could work on his handling though. Several movements died with him.</p>
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<p>Lineout was surprisingly reasonable - especially in terms of steals, but I can see it being an achilles heel against teams like Canterbury and Auckland.</p>
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<p>I quite liked the look of Faingaanuku on the wing with limited chances. James Lowe was heavily marked, but still made the telling play at the end. Hunt and Fonotia were reasonable. Havili untidy at times, Nankivell a bit anonymous (as was Pete Samu - I didn't notice he was playing until the second half!).</p>
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<p>Only Waikato player I paid specific attention to was Damien. He was a mixed bag - his goalkicking nearly won the match, but his line-kicking was ordinary. A fair way to go before he'd be in contention for the AB's pivot position.</p> -
<p>Havili was very quiet for someone of his standard. I thought it was interesting that Guyton saw no gametime although Christie played very well.</p>
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<p>Although Waikato lost, I think they're in for a good season and should push for top 4. They still have guys like Uhila and Donald to return and possibly Lienert-Brown as well.</p> -
<p>Yeah - surprised me that Guyton didn't get on (in fact, that he didn't start), but I guess that will build Christie's confidence.</p>
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<p>Those four points are very handy for the Mako$. I guess, these days, if you're not pushing top four you're likely in the relegation battle (in fact, you could be both!).</p>
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<p>I don't think the Mako$ will be quite as strong this year - we could be missing Hames, McDonald, Wheeler and Squire from last year's pack - though hopefully we'll get Hames back shortly. I suppose on the other side, we didn't have Lowe last season, and look to have good replacements for Jimmy Cowan, Mitchell Scott and Robbie Malneek.</p>
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<p>I guess we have hopefully, Hames, Halanukonuka, Guyton and Marty Banks all to come - and Lolohea who was very good last year.</p>
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<p>I'll miss not having Robbie Malneek there! :)</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="African Monkey" data-cid="607890" data-time="1471820226">
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<p>Although Waikato lost, I think they're in for a good season and should push for top 4. They still have guys like Uhila and Donald to return and possibly Lienert-Brown as well.</p>
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<p>I'm sure Waikato will be very frustrated with this game as they were in a great position to win it with 5 mins to go but stupid penalties by Manihera and playing at the wrong end of the field cost them. </p>
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<p>A big game vs NH on Sat now. There will be a reshuffle in the backline with DMac missing and presumably Stevenson out. Time to give the Fijian wingers a go.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Hooroo" data-cid="607999" data-time="1471833681">
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<p>Is DMac injured?</p>
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<p>ABs call up.</p> -
<p>ta da!!</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/83424687/rieko-ioane-damien-mckenzie-among-five-called-in-as-all-blacks-injury-cover'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/83424687/rieko-ioane-damien-mckenzie-among-five-called-in-as-all-blacks-injury-cover</a></p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="cgrant" data-cid="608389" data-time="1471937197">
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<p>How did Kautai fare ? It is usually very hard for a 19 y.o. prop to make his debut at the provincial level. Atu Moli struggled a lot last year but has made big strides forward since.</p>
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<p>I thought Kautai went OK in the scrum vs Perry when he replaced the injured Moli. He will probably start vs NH if Moli can't play. Hoeft must rate him despite his age and lack of experience at this level.</p>
