Otago v Taranaki

[Duluth]

[Duluth]

A few interesting changes in the backs

Perofeta at 10 - I think thats only the second time this season?

JRK at fullback which might be his position in the long term

Grindlay at 12. I thinks he's only started at 13 so far in his career?

[SouthernMann]

Looking forward to seeing JRK play at fullback. Especially in the stadium he will likely have the job next year.

[Duluth]

[Duluth]

Same Otago 23 that played Northland

[Kiwiwomble]

happens far too infrequently, almost always someone picks up a niggle, hoping these guys are riding a little confidence and will come out with the fire we've seen the last two weeks

[frugby]

Still don't get why we wouldn't start Holland, and why Hastie can't crack the 23... but guess we will see. Probably do just enough to finish 9th, and then they'll wheel out the injury excuse, and the cycle will repeat next year.

[Stargazer]

Changes to Otago line-up:

Dickson ruled out.
Holland starting at 5.
Hill coming onto the bench at 19.

[Duluth]

Very good offload from Florence

[gt12]

Everything wrong with NZ rugby (or rugby in general perhaps) shown here by Taranaki. Playing all the rugby - even from their 22 - but mistakes and discipline giving Otago enough opportunities to stay in the game (and lead)

[gt12]

This Taranaki team seems to have plenty of weapons but Otago are getting points on most visits.

Lucky penalty there before halftime but if should be 14-7 at halftime now.

[Stargazer]

@gt12 said in Otago v Taranaki:

Everything wrong with NZ rugby (or rugby in general perhaps) shown here by Taranaki. Playing all the rugby - even from their 22 - but mistakes and discipline giving Otago enough opportunities to stay in the game (and lead)

If the Taranaki players are making mistakes or giving away penalties, why does Otago scoring points mean that there's something wrong with (NZ) rugby?

[gt12]

@Stargazer said in Otago v Taranaki:

@gt12 said in Otago v Taranaki:

Everything wrong with NZ rugby (or rugby in general perhaps) shown here by Taranaki. Playing all the rugby - even from their 22 - but mistakes and discipline giving Otago enough opportunities to stay in the game (and lead)

If the Taranaki players are making mistakes or giving away penalties, why does Otago scoring points mean that there's something wrong with (NZ) rugby?

Because the Taranaki team looks just like the All Blacks.

[taniwharugby]

@gt12 yeah you see the same sort of silly stuff happening at lower levels, almost replicating the ABs...

[Stargazer]

I still don't see how that means there's something wrong with the game. There may be something wrong with the players or coaching ...

[Bovidae]

I think Taranaki can feel a little aggrieved at some of the penalties. How did they all miss Sanders grabbing Naholo early? Consistency would be good.

[gt12]

@Stargazer said in Otago v Taranaki:

I still don't see how that means there's something wrong with the game. There may be something wrong with the players or coaching ...

Well, ‘NZ rugby’ could conceivably be interpreted as the focus by players and coaches on ‘seeing pictures’ of ‘opportunities’ despite them being in a place where a more strategic approach might be more appropriate.

If you cant see the similarities between Taranaki’s play and the ABs, this will be my last post with you on it.

[gt12]

That’s going to be a problem Tom

[Stargazer]

@gt12 said in Otago v Taranaki:

If you cant see the similarities between Taranaki’s play and the ABs, this will be my last post with you on it.

I never said that, but okay.

[gt12]

That wee fulla has plenty of wheels