V Auckland
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="608610" data-time="1472011655">
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<p><span style="font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:calibri;">Olsen straight to captain? </span></span></p>
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<p>He was captain when he came on last week. He's the official VC apparently.</p>
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<p>I like how this guy plays. He has size, great work rate and great skills (used to be a 10 back in junior grades I believe). If given the opportunity, I believe he could easily play super rugby.</p> -
<p>oh I didn't realize he was VC, odd they've moved away from Dan though, unless it isn't looking likely he'll be back next year? Too early for those discussions anyway....</p>
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<p>Yeah after his horror first 20 mins or so for us (was v Manawatu too wasn't it?) he does look a good prospect, Moulds will have a battle to start if Olsen keeps playing like he did last week.</p> -
Olsen took over the captaincy when Moulds left the field last week,fair to say it did'nt effect the way he played,can't quite understand Matich being put back to the bench,his work rate was outrageous last week,which could be why he's gone back to the bench,got no issues with Faleafa retaining his spot,Auckland are fielding a really big back row,with a whole lot of line out options.<br><br>
No issue with Lawabuka being dropped all together,if you can't turn up to your first big game of the season on time,and then your only contribution is giving away a penalty,that leads to Mamawatu gaining great field position,and from there on applying pressure and finding the winning try,then a bit a time down in the bs might bring him back to earth.<br>
Big call to bring Tua into the playing XV,on saying that,we will all get to see first hand,where he sits in the scheme of things,brave call from the coaches,<br><br>
Auckland Team,<br><br>
15.Melani Nanai<br>
14.Lolagi Visinia<br>
13.Vince Aso<br>
12.Calvary Fonoti<br>
11.Pryor Collier<br>
10.Simon Hickey<br>
9.Leon Fukofuka<br><br>
8.Steven Luatua<br>
7.Akira Ioane<br>
6.Taleni Sau<br>
5.Liaki Moli<br>
4.Scott Scrafton<br>
3.Isi Tu'ungafasi<br>
2.Kurt Ekland<br>
1.Sam Prattley<br><br>
16.Greg Pleasants-Tate<br>
17.Tom McHugh<br>
18.Marcel Renata<br>
19.Joe Edwards<br>
20.Josh Kaifa<br>
21.Jono Hickey<br>
22.Latiume Fosita<br>
23.Joe Ravouvou<br><br>
Strengths,very big lineout,big ball carriers,and outside backs like Melani Nanai,and Lolagi Visinia,Vince Aso and Calvary Fonoti both good on their feet,and great ability to break the line.<br>
Also off the bench,watch out for Josh Kaifa,open side flanker from Manukau,considered the best up and coming number 7 behind,Blake Gibson,you won't miss him,got a haircut to match.<br><br>
Weakness,not entirely sure about their scrum,personally,I think it's an area,where we can have a real crack,other area is in and around there breakdown work,they were the one team that struggled with the new rules.. -
You know Auckland will look to physically dominate (power and pace) but they I don't have as much skill as some of the other teams. We will need to win our set piece and make tackles to compete. Good luck to Tamati Tua - fantastic to see a young Northland player get a chance.<br><br>
NB: Our reserve forwards look good - thought the props that came on last week played well, Wright/ Larsen/ Matich are all players who will have a impact and players I really like. The reserve backs lack the same depth. Disappointed that Lawebuka is not there to make an impact - hope he comes back. -
<p>terrible start by Olsen :(</p>
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<p>fark! Handling pretty shite so far, costing us dearly right now...looks like a 12 point wind</p>
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<p>BS call there!! Onside all day! </p>
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<p>we are our own worst enemies, Nutbrown our 2nd worst at the moment</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="taniwharugby" data-cid="609180" data-time="1472199401"><p>
we are our own worst enemies, Nutbrown our 2nd worst at the moment</p></blockquote>Yep.<br>
Seen better handling skills in reserve grade club footy. Yep the weather is shite, but that means they need to adjust.<br><br>
So frustrating. -
<p>after pinging us for a not offside Nutbrown seems to be allowing Auckland a fair bit of room in front of the offside line</p>
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<p>how was Ecklund not coming in from the side right in front of Nutbrown??</p>
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<p>We score, eventually.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Gunner" data-cid="609185" data-time="1472199692"><p>
but that means they need to adjust.</p></blockquote>As I write that, the forwards say to hell with flash wide passes in this wind and keep the ball tight with a series of pick & gos.<br><br>
Leads to a try.<br><br>
That's smarter play, pity it took them 36 minutes to work the weather out. -
<p>wtf, now Goodhue off, Wright locking?</p>
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<p>Goodhue having concussion test?</p>
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<p>So Matich to lock, Olsen to loosie?</p>
