v Otago

[Chiefy07]

I reckon we took Manawatu too lightly. We looked far more dangerous but made silly little errors that we hadn't been making up until that game and I wonder if we got a bit over confident. Hopefully that's a good little wake up call for this game because Otago are much better than Manawatu. Also think we have a bit more balance with Matich or Bond in the starting lineup as they both get through a lot of tackles, so good to see both of them back. I understand starting Douglas for the extra lineout option but think we work better with a mobile loose trio - I would have had Douglas on the bench and either Ram or K Pryor starting.

It's good to see Tamati Tua back - Hohaia started shaky before improving, but I think Tua is going to be the main guy in the midfield next season so will be good to see him get plenty of game time this season. Hopefully throwing 2 intercept passes in 2 weeks doesn't put Goodhue off his passing game! Haha

Hasn't had much chat but I reckon Sam Nock has been a big improver this season, I reckon he will be putting a lot of pressure on Pulu at the Blues.

This is a very important game for us - lose this and we're not in great shape...

[taniwharugby]

@chiefy07 with Ranger leaving, Tua wil get a huge opportunity next year, although if Goodhue makes ABs, we may lose him too, so Hohaia-Tua next year, both pretty young.

I like the look of Hohaia, has some pace, strength and a step, will be much better for his appearances.

[Gunner]

Terrible game so far.
Poor passing, turnovers, dropped balls.
Very stop start.

3-3

[Stargazer]

Awesome try!

[Gunner]

Try of the season right there.

Jack of the Goodhues take a bow.

[Gunner]

YC Leijntes for a high shot on Jack.

God our line out sucks big time.

[Gunner]

Not sure what to make of that half.

Mostly untidy by Northland, but we go to half time up 19-6.

Our backs just aren't really in sync tonight, we are creating chances then an inaccurate pass will kill the movement.

Our defence was pretty good, as Otago did a lot of attacking.

Finish it lads!

[Gunner]

A bit of Taniwha razzle dazzle there, well finished by Macalai.

Initially thought Rinikama had blown a try.

26-6

[Gunner]

Fuck what a random try from nowhere.

Pryor of old would have won that foot race any day of the week.

[Gunner]

YC for repeated infringements.

[Gunner]

Good nudge Breen 29-13

[Gunner]

Really tough call on Matich there.
See far worse 'too far' clean outs let go multiple times every game.

[Gunner]

Oh bugger off touchie.

One of the worst calls I've seen all year.

[Gunner]

Another awful call.

Fuck were being dicked here by the officials.

These fluffy bunnies need to be held accountable.

[Gunner]

Otago finally score from the 3rd refereeing blunder.

Edit: Make that 4th, that prick was in front of the kicker.

[Gunner]

Nock off. I'm really nervous about our chances now when you add that with the bounce and refs calls going in Otagos favour at the moment.

[taniwharugby]

We are struggling now., 3rd week in a row in this period...ref pinging everything

[Gunner]

I feel like a stuck record, but Christ I swear this ref needs bodyguards to get out of Okara Park and Whangarei.

Pryor is going to get 10 in the bin here, the idiot. First call he's got right in what feels like for ever.

We are going to start having to play our starting 15 for 80 minutes every week for the rest of the season coz our impact off the bench in the last 3 games has had a negative impact on our game.

[Gunner]

@taniwharugby the ref is a fucking arse.

Someone shoot him.

[Gunner]

Oh fuck Breen you fucking knob.
Just when we need a settling play from the kickoff you do that...

More pressure coming.