v BOP
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I guess it's near that time to start our match topics. Can't believe it's come around so fast.
So, I'm guessing we'll have pretty much a full stable to choose from this week, my only concerns are around Matt Moulds and Sam Nock. Those two looked the most serious out of our niggles last week.
I understand Jack Goodhue, Soloman Alaimalo and Jone Macilai are back with the squad now, so that backline should be looking sharp. Dilemma for me is 12, and who to put there?? Do we go with the bulk and experience of Gilbert, or the silky skilled Tua? Theres also Blake Hohaia who I was impressed with in Kerikeri.
Up front is the loose forward log jam, the others pretty much sort themselves. Personally I'd go with the Pryors and Matich, but they may want a bigger 6. In that case either Faleafa or Douglas may play there.
Haven't heard a heap about BOP, but looking at their pre season they have had narrow losses to Naki and Waikato. They are always a handy outfit, but for us they're ripe for the picking first up.
Us by 12 👍
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so you coming along?
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@taniwharugby will do bro
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Start: Sililoto, Moulds, Waa
Bond, Goodhue
Douglas, Pryor, Pryor
Nock, Hawkins
Tua, Ranger
Alaimalo, Wright, HylandBench: Olsen, Wright, Rinakama, Ram, Matich, McLeod, Breen, macilai
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@taniwharugby looks like they are using Ross Wright as hooker/prop cover for possibly injured Moulds? Always liked Ross as a hooker, but less so as prop option. Jack Goodhue rested? Hawkins ahead of Breen? Good team so hope they start the season with good win.
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We really need Nock to step up with his play and dominate things more, is a good option having Ram & Matich on the bench, guess they went for Douglas' size, given Matich's work rate is second to none IMO
Jack Goodhue was unavailable for selection for the fixture after a heavy workload during the Crusaders' Super Rugby campaign but will be in contention to debut for Northland against Auckland.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503448&objectid=11904672
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@taniwharugby I think that Nock needs Nock to step up his play too.
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@Tim yep, especially as the reserve 9 is a big step down, or was last year, bigger step down than the other 9 in the squad too which is frustrating.
Hopefully Nock can have an extended run of being uninjured too, as I think this has also hampered his progress.
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Looks a pretty useful outfit and we don't have a great record up there to be honest.
Haven't seen our team yet but this year is looking like a very decent pack with strong reserves to come on - and a pretty average backline. But young Mike Delany is back!
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@taniwharugby Yeah, really hoping he has a good run and his confidence levels are high going into Super Rugby. Next season is probably make or break for him.
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Two strong sides named, should be a cracker. If we can gain parity up front I think we could split them out wide.
I hope both our 10's can step up from last weeks hit out, as a lot broke down in that area, and I'm sure that wily old fox Delaney will have a trick or two up his sleeve for BOP..
Interesting to see Matich benched, I'm guessing the coaches are looking for height and size against this Steamers pack.. I'm sure he will get plenty of time on the paddock though.
If our forwards rip into it and our 9-10 axis works, I'll stick to my original prediction. Tanis by 12ish... If it doesn't, I don't even want to go there!
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Good squad for us this year, trying to keep a lid on expectations though.
Its imperative that we start well and get the W against BOP if we want to be making an impression on the Championship this year. No disrespect to BOP and their fans but they'll be one of the weaker teams we come up against this season.
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@taniwharugby said in v BOP:
@Tim yep, especially as the reserve 9 is a big step down, or was last year, bigger step down than the other 9 in the squad too which is frustrating.
I wouldn't be too upset if both back up 9s were to injure themselves going from what I saw last year. I think Emil Pittman has more to offer.
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@Gunner Markwick was a much better player than MacLeod last year, hopefully we dont see much of him if Nock tears it up.
I reckon the NPC is looking pretty competitive across the board this year, all teams have pretty solid looking squads.
But yeah, we need to get the W in week 1, with Auckland in week 2, otherwise we end up as we did last year with a game that got away, struggle v Auckland then already behind the 8 ball into week 3.
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@taniwharugby said in v BOP:
@Tim yep, especially as the reserve 9 is a big step down, or was last year, bigger step down than the other 9 in the squad too which is frustrating.
I wouldn't be too upset if both back up 9s were to injure themselves going from what I saw last year. I think Emil Pittman has more to offer.
I have heard good things about this Pittman dude, what's the go with him Gunner??
