Waikato v Tasman

[Duluth]

@Bovidae

Wouldn't be the first time Waikato pasted the team from last week

This was on their fb page posted within the last hour

[Bovidae]

That's the stupid thing about announcing teams today for Sunday games.

[Chris B.]

Quite a few injuries and rotation for Ta$man.

MacDonald, Strange, Anderson and Hicks missing from the forwards - Matenga rotated to the bench.

Christie missing - Willie Havili sent to fullback and Timoci on the bench.

Looks like one where we're taking the pedal off the metal.

[Yeetyaah]

@Chris-B Always good to get in with the excuses early.

[Chris B.]

@Yeetyaah No good general ever retreats - it's always a strategic withdrawal!

[Bovidae]

Waikato have only named 14 players to start.

If I was to guess the no.7 TBC could be Mitch Jacobson.

[antipodean]

@Bovidae said in Waikato v Ta$man:

Waikato have only named 14 players to start.

That's confidence!

[Bovidae]

Here is the team:

Waikato take on Ta$man Mako in round 7 of the Bunnings NPC at FMG Stadium Waikato on Sunday afternoon, kick-off is at 1.05 pm:

1 Ollie Norris (Hautapu)
2 Manaaki Boyle-Tiatia (University)
3 George Dyer (Fraser Tech)
4 Josh Balme (Hamilton Marist)
5 Laghlan McWhannell (Hautapu)
6 Xavier Saifoloi (University)
7 Patrick McCurran (Fraser Tech)
8 Malachi Wrampling (Hamilton Old Boys)
9 Xavier Roe (Hamilton Old Boys) – Co-Captain
10 D’Angelo Leuila (Fraser Tech)
11 Aki Tuivailala (Hamilton Old Boys)
12 Gideon Wrampling (Hamilton Old Boys)
13 Bailyn Sullivan (Hamilton Marist)
14 Quinn Tupaea (Hamilton Old Boys)
15 Tepaea Cook-Savage (Fraser Tech)

16 Sean Ralph (Te Awamutu Sports)
17 Ayden Johnstone (Hautapu) – Co-Captain
18 Gabe Robinson (Hamilton Marist)
19 Tai Cribb (Hamilton Marist)
20 Senita Lauaki (Hautapu)
21 Quintony Ngatai (Hautapu)
22 Aaron Cruden (Morrinsville Sports)
23 Jole Naufahu (University)

Waikato named for their round 7 Bunnings NPC clash with Tasman Mako.

Waikato have named their side to host Tasman Mako at FMG Stadium Waikato in round 7 of the Bunnings NPC on Sunday...

[Duluth]

Kicking off now

[Duluth]

Bailyn Sullivan just runs through Aumua to set up the first try

[antipodean]

I swear that was a forward pass from Sullivan.

[antipodean]

Good leg drive from D'Angelo Leuila

[ARHS]

Geez can believe that try was allowed. Joining from the side to take out defenders created it.

[Duluth]

12-10 Waikato at HT

[ARHS]

I have never seen such a high proportion of under 10s on the stands. They are everywhere in front of me. Still doesn't excuse the awful choice of DJ music though.

[KiwiMurph]

Ta$man - masters of the last kick heroics.

[Chris B.]

@KiwiMurph I thought Old Man Cruden had stolen it - but, Willi somehow bodged that last one over.

Good composure to continue to play for that penalty.

Not a game I was expecting to win and especially not after the first 15 minutes.

Waikato more spectacular, Ta$man generally more accurate. Biggest mistake probably injuring Butler and getting Timoci on early.

[Bovidae]

That sucked. It's never a nice way to lose, especially when the ref picks and chooses when to penalise offsides.

Waikato will rue not taking those chances in the 1st half.

[Duluth]

[Yeetyaah]

Gutted Waikato couldn't take that win, but that's why the Nelson Barbarians are the top team.

Had a yarn with a couple of guys. Senita Lauaki hasn't heard anything from any Super clubs yet, but he's signed for Waikato again next season.

Paddy McCurran is looking for a Super club but has been offered 2 Japan contracts.

Solomone Tukuafu played his last game for Waikato last week and he's off to France in 10 days.