The Bay v Manawatu Semi-Final
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Manawatu
1 Fraser Armstrong
2 Sam Stewart
3 Sione Asi
4 Fraser Stone
5 Liam Mitchell
6 Nick Crosswell
7 Johnny Galloway
8 Brayden Iose
9 Jamie Booth
10 Otere Black
11 Ben Werthmuller
12 James Tofa
13 Josiah Maraku
14 Te Rangatira Waitokia
15 Sam Malcolm16 Nick Grogan
17 Fa’alelei Sione
18 Paulo Leleisiuao
19 Rhys Pedersen
20 Sione Tu’ipulotu
21 Atutahi Henare
22 Stewart Cruden
23 Hamish Northcott.
The Turbos have been forced into a reshuffled backline for their Mitre 10 Cup Championship semifinal against Bay of Plenty in Rotorua on Friday night.
A hamstring strain has left Ngani Laumape sidelined, while Rob Thompson is still battling concussion and Andre Taylor was also ruled out with injury.
That sees the combo of James Tofa and Josiah Maraku get a chance to take control of the midfield after impressing in the second half of last week's match.
The other change comes up front with Sione Asi getting the nod at tighthead prop.
On the bench, Stewart Cruden comes into the mix joining Hamish Northcott.
Three of their best players out with injury. I expect the Turbos to get hammered by the Steamers.
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Nepotism starts early at the Bay aye. Mike Delany’s boy carrying out the game ball....
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Great try saver there by the Poo
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The Bay can’t use it after a dominant scrum.
HT and the Bay doing it easy.
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@Duluth said in The Bay v Manawatu Semi-Final:
What is Narawa’s kicking game like? Good enough for fullback? Or is he just playing there to get all the best players on the field?
All of the above I think - midfield injuries saw Tiatia move up to 12, and Narawa is on fire!
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@KiwiPie said in The Bay v Manawatu Semi-Final:
@cgrant said in The Bay v Manawatu Semi-Final:
I can't see the Turbos winning this one.
I know - it's making me nervous!
I hope my pre-match nerves are as badly misplaced!
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Obvious case of peaking too early before the final