Northland 2024
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@taniwharugby I'm sure that Ah Wong and Curry were the difference! (See Auckland thread for context). Any new players stand out from either team?
How did Quinton Nichols go? He was considered very promising and on the fringes of the Auckland squad a few seasons ago. -
@Daffy-Jaffy I didn't make it today, only got score updates sorry.
By all accounts Auckland just too good, some of our errors self inflicted, some from Auckland pressure.
Edit
On Nicholas, he has had some injury issues this year, only saw a little of him nearer the end of the season, looked a decent player.I expect he'll get some chances to show his wares in NPC.
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@taniwharugby I think injuries were why he fell away from Auckland squad selections. Must be prone.
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@Daffy-Jaffy think it was a knee injury in round 1 or 2 and was out for 5 or 6 weeks I think.
We are a bit light in the midfield with no Tua, Ranger or Hohaia in the squad, so I think he, Latu and Evans will carry a heavy load, although Murray IMO looks a natural midfielder with his skillset, so could move in.
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@taniwharugby Hopefully most of these guys will be back in time for the first round.
'Unavailable for selection: Dan Hawkins, Rivez Reihana, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Jordan Trainor, Heremaia Murray, Nathan Salmon, Rory Woods, Esile Fono, Richie Asiata, Rob Cobb, Jarred Adams' -
@Daffy-Jaffy i think Asiata, Cobb and Adams haven't yet been signed off by NZR, i believe only Salmon is of concern with a hamstring issue suffered in the training camp last week, Trainor possibly week 3, rest should be fine.
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@taniwharugby said in Northland 2024:
Northland well and truly thumped, 58-19, an error ridden performance.
Only consolation is we are almost always shite in our pre-season, and it was pre-season, but alot to work on.
What consolation can you get from "almost always being shite"? If you are going to be shite in the season proper then it sounds like an ideal dress rehearsal!!!!!!
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Agree.
For the team who won the comp last season, trials mean F all.
But for a team like Northland, they are almost must win games.
If you cant put a good performance in against a team that it is probably not trying 100%, and messing about with combos...
Not lookin good, more of the same...
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Fairly harsh comments.
Auckland fielded a super 15 laden squad. And have a huge depth advantage vs northland and always will.
Northland look like they had 10 caps outside lisati milo-Harris in the backline. I would say, look to have signed too many youngsters in the backs.Northland having 10 starters out and auckland having 10 starters out is not equal.
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@muddyriver yeah I think 10 players made thier debut yesterday?
Several of the Auckland debutants have played national age group recently too, so yep, quality of depth is always an issue.
I like the look of the squad, but will need some players to really step up, particularly the leaders, as you say some very young players, that I guess fits with how McLeod generally prefers to develop players.
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@muddyriver said in Northland 2024:
Northland look like they had 10 caps outside lisati milo-Harris in the backline. I would say, look to have signed too many youngsters in the backs.
So the pack went ok? Was it just bad defence in the backs?
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@Duluth very different packs each half for northland. But for the majority, set pieces were even. Auckland had a scrum advantage with certain front rows. Auckland looked to play the Blues Power game up the middle, which was very effective, but I think teams will just have to learn how to defend it rather than it being a quality issue.
Northland back 3 in particular did not offer very much and starting half back was very club level.
Northland on defense a lot because of bad game management and bad kicking. Alot of aucklands tries just very poor 1v1 defense on the wings.
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@muddyriver Boyd who started at 9, is a good strong player, but his decision making is suspect, has been the last 2 seasons, obviously easier to paper over those at club level (still better than bringing an Aussie over as I heard they were looking at)
Similarly, Duncan on the wing, often he takes contact when he should pass, and then passes when he should gas it, the other wing, Warehau has played midfield all all season...plus I heard heem was in fine form creating stuff creating headaches out wide.
I heard our lineout went well even nabbed.a few off.Auckland but also heard that Auckland did play similar to the Blues, so good to see that happening.
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Not comparing Northland with Auckland, but I think Northland have enough resources to make themselves competitive.
I do compare them with the likes of Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki and Ta$man.
They have been more than just competitive, with similar resouces to Northland, and that comparison hasn’t been good for a long time.I rate Dale MacLeod as a coach and the players have potential.
I'm not talking bout winning the comp, just getting more Ws than Ls.You only have to look at the player who is not there. He finally got a run with a team that wins most of its games, and now he’s got a nice fulltime contract.
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@Duluth said in Northland 2024:
@mohikamo said in Northland 2024:
You only have to look at the player who is not there. He finally got a run with a team that wins most of its games, and now he’s got a nice fulltime contract.
Who is that?
Tua?
