Farah Palmer Cup 2022
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Waikato/Canterbury the obvious big game this week and likely to decide top place come the end of the RR. ABs all look to have been released from camp for the round. I will now bore you with a little BOP mid season/pre-game write up as they are the team I have been following and this game against CM could put them firmly into the semis.
BOP have had a very big backline shakeup, possibly about time as the early arrangements had real weakness in clearing from their 22 which was making the forwards have to work extra hard. With some of those key forwards not being available over the next couple of weeks this was a good opportunity to see if a better combo could be found.
Takimoana, who had been playing halfback early on, finds herself back at fullback. Hopefully see has a kick while Takitimu-Cook has moved from 15 to 10. Her kicking game has been well below par so expect the drive to come from the midfield where Monga (who looks like a real little crash baller) has been paired with Wickliffe. Richardson has shifted wing in the absence of Watherston, who is on a precautionary stand-down after a try saving tackle last week created a small head knock.
Forward pack looks to be one of the best around at the moment even with Connor on the bench. A back row of Elder, Tapsell and Reynolds may not be the latest bunch of dynamic young loosies but bring a huge amount of experience. Delamere is starting hooker giving Connor a chance of a rest and the locking combo of Wills and Fitzgerald is key to the lineout game.
In short a very experienced forward pack joined to a bunch of kids (with one veteran). When these youngsters find their right position and start working together well (we saw a glimpse last week) watch out. Could cause an upset in the finals. -
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Great article about former Black Fern and current Hawke's Bay halfback Emma Jensen.
New field of dreams: Rugby 'legend' on mission in the classroom and boardroom
The ex-Black Fern is focused on giving back to the sport.
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Disappointing result especially after starting so well. Tried lots in our own half which is how we play but we didn't dominate through the middle first like we have in other games this season. Tahere missed restarts were crucial for losing territory but hope the ladies get around her.
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Farah Palmer Cup Round Six: Team Lists
Playoff spots are on the line both the Premiership and Championship as the march to the semifinals intensifies this weekend.
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Big implications on the semi spots this week.
BOP didn't grab an opportunity last week to put themselves in the box seat so pretty much have to beat Wellington this round to be back in contention.
Manawatu are likely wooden spooners given that they have a game against Canterbury and a bye to come.
Wellington probably only need a couple of points from their games against BOP and Auckland to be off the bottom rung but a win against BOP could put them in contention.
CM have the bye this week then Waikato to finish the RR.
Waikato play a (probably more) weakened AucklandAny of CM, BOP or Wellington could take the last spot and the absence of Black Ferns really throws a cat among the pigeons as far as Auckland go. Other teams obviously impacted as well.
I'm thinking a final table something like
Canterbury 28
Waikato 22
Auckland 17
BOP 14
CM 11
Wellington 8
Manawatu 7If Wellington beat BOP this weekend though BOP, CM and Wellington are in a bonus point or wins against each other shit fight and Wellington have a good chance on a run from the back.
