Tab currently has it:
Chiefs 1.37
Crusaders 3.10
A points start of 8.5
I hope the ref isn't BOK
Tab currently has it:
Chiefs 1.37
Crusaders 3.10
A points start of 8.5
I hope the ref isn't BOK
It will be a tough selection vs the Highlanders
The front row though should be easy. I thought Mafileo did enough to get the reserve spot. PRS will miss out
The locks will be IWL and maybe Tucker. With Delany on the bench. Backrow is tough. Shields will likely get 6 and Kirifi 7 but who gets 8?
The backline will revert back to the Crusaders starting team. But Cameron needs to finally step up. As, based on the 5 games so far Morgan has had (easily) the best 1st 5 game. Cameron's been poor to average. The one weakness in the team. Morgan had his best game for some time. I would still like to see Barrett at first with Higgins at 2nd though at some point
3 votes
More injuries for the Chiefs. Salabiau is a big loss. Putting a very mobile no.8 in his place.
University of Waikato Chiefs U20s to face the Crusaders U20s:
1 Raharuhi Palmer
2 Sione Tupou
3 Will Martin
4 Tai Cribb
5 Aisake Vakasiuola
6 Andrew Smith
7. Micah Fale
8 Grady Forbes (Co-Captain)
9 Rui Farrant
10 Daniel Tickelpenny
11 Frank Vaenuku
12 Kase Meyer
13 Giancarlo Tuivailala (Co-Captain)
14 Joey Taumateine
15 Joel Naufahu
Reserves
16 Tom McCarthy
17 Apai Ma’au-Hinkes
18 Faauma Kupita
19 Dylan Eti
20 Josh Brunger
21 Topia Barrowcliffe
22 Oli Mathis (Co-Captain)
23 Hone Mathieson
24 Hemi Gardiner
25 Brooke Mitchell
26 David Lewai
27 Fletcher Carpenter
Club season from Wellsford to Kerikeri kicks off tomorrow, I expect be some decent scores with grounds still very firm and likely plenty of warm sunshine.
Plenty of new names across the squads I have seen, some youngsters coming through plus some from regions around NZ.
I’m heading along to Hora Hora v Hikurangi, which will be interesting, seeing the Hika team sheet, several unfamiliar names as they seem to have recruited a several players from far and wide (google says from NH to Buller for some names that had results) while former Northland halfback Rhyan Caine (42) is on the bench and ex Northland and Sydney Roosters Iwi Hauraki (36) returns to the mid-field, I havent seen the HH team yet, but heard they have also picked up some quality players, most notably Terrell Peita returning to the North.
In other matches, Waipu (who I have heard are struggling for numbers again this year) host Kamo, who have plenty of youngsters in their line-up, with at least 2 18yr olds making thier senior prem debuts, and Northland veteran Blake Hohaia steering them from 10 (as he did a few times last year)
Old Boys Marist host Kerikeri, Morewa/United KawaKawa host Western Sharks while Wellsford Host defending champions Mid Northern, who will be tested without Rob Rush and Allan Craig, while there are whispers they have lost a couple to HH, although cant confirm until I see the HH line up.
Without seeing all the team sheets, I’m picking HH will be too strong for last years wooden spooners, although depending on the quality of the new recruits, may surprise
OBM to sneak it over Kerikeri
Kamo to be too strong for Waipu
Morewa/UKK have had a good pre-season and I think they will sneak it over the Sharks
I think MN should still have the quality to get past Wellsford, who in pre-season had a very slimmed down Rene Ranger packing down at prop!
Wasn't sure where to put this but quiz site Sporcle has a test to name every side (175 times) that has defeated the AB's
Heres my effort
Ryan Coxon, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Thomas Franklin, Jeremy Williams (c), Tim Anstee, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Chase Tiatia, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Bayley Kuenzle, Harry Potter
Reserves: Ben Funnell, Josh Bartlett, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua, Reed Prinsep, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman
Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Liam Wright (co-c), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (co-c), Tom Lynagh, Mac Grealy, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell
Reserves: Josh Nasser, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Cormac Daly, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Taj Annan
Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Leone Rotuisolia, Etonia Waqa, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi (c), Simione Kuruvoli, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Taniela Rakuro, Apisalome Vota, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese
Reserves: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Kitione Salawa, Peni Matawalu, Kemu Valetini, Epeli Momo