Northland 2024
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Be interesting to see how the backline goes with all these changes....Rene finally done?
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@Nzrugbyfan yeah he is, looks like he has lost about 5kg or so and a shadow of his former self, and has been playing all over the show for Wellsford this year, from 6, 9 and other back positions, even prop in pre-season. Moorby has returned to Waikato, Hohaia just not selected, although ironically, one of his best club seasons for Kamo this year, playing well and looking quick too.
My guess for the starting 15, once all on deck
Apoua, Moulds, Adams
Craig, Caird
Rush, Parker, Woods
Nock, Reihana
Latu, Evans
Murray, Trainor, SalmonAlthough Adams won't be about for the start, so likely Li, Trainor is also injured so likely Anderson, as we are light on experience outside, hence Salmon likely getting starts early. I guess Murray or Evans could slot into 15 as well, meaning Nicholas may get more time in the midfield too.
I am also unsure about 7, Woods has played most of the season at 8 but is a heck of a talent, Saimoni is the only out and out 7, Matich and Parker both played 7 as well, Peita could also play 7.
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@taniwharugby Lots of young talent this year. New coaches as well. Going to be very interesting. Have they got warm up games organised?
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Northland pre-season squad to play in Whangarei tomorrow (team is last 2 slides) I think they playing NH
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@taniwharugby playing Auckland
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@taniwharugby said in Northland 2024:
@Nogusta that's what I'd heard, then I heard they had Auckland next week...
Yea they travel up and play Sunday then they're straight into 3 day camp in Tutukaka I think.
Auckland then play Counties on Friday. -
Northland well and truly thumped, 58-19, an error ridden performance.
Only consolation is we are almost always shite in our pre-season, and it was pre-season, but alot to work on.
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@taniwharugby I'm sure that Ah Wong and Curry were the difference! (See Auckland thread for context). Any new players stand out from either team?
How did Quinton Nichols go? He was considered very promising and on the fringes of the Auckland squad a few seasons ago. -
@Daffy-Jaffy I didn't make it today, only got score updates sorry.
By all accounts Auckland just too good, some of our errors self inflicted, some from Auckland pressure.
Edit
On Nicholas, he has had some injury issues this year, only saw a little of him nearer the end of the season, looked a decent player.I expect he'll get some chances to show his wares in NPC.
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@taniwharugby I think injuries were why he fell away from Auckland squad selections. Must be prone.
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@Daffy-Jaffy think it was a knee injury in round 1 or 2 and was out for 5 or 6 weeks I think.
We are a bit light in the midfield with no Tua, Ranger or Hohaia in the squad, so I think he, Latu and Evans will carry a heavy load, although Murray IMO looks a natural midfielder with his skillset, so could move in.
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@taniwharugby Hopefully most of these guys will be back in time for the first round.
'Unavailable for selection: Dan Hawkins, Rivez Reihana, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Jordan Trainor, Heremaia Murray, Nathan Salmon, Rory Woods, Esile Fono, Richie Asiata, Rob Cobb, Jarred Adams' -
@Daffy-Jaffy i think Asiata, Cobb and Adams haven't yet been signed off by NZR, i believe only Salmon is of concern with a hamstring issue suffered in the training camp last week, Trainor possibly week 3, rest should be fine.
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@taniwharugby said in Northland 2024:
Northland well and truly thumped, 58-19, an error ridden performance.
Only consolation is we are almost always shite in our pre-season, and it was pre-season, but alot to work on.
What consolation can you get from "almost always being shite"? If you are going to be shite in the season proper then it sounds like an ideal dress rehearsal!!!!!!
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Agree.
For the team who won the comp last season, trials mean F all.
But for a team like Northland, they are almost must win games.
If you cant put a good performance in against a team that it is probably not trying 100%, and messing about with combos...
Not lookin good, more of the same...
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Fairly harsh comments.
Auckland fielded a super 15 laden squad. And have a huge depth advantage vs northland and always will.
Northland look like they had 10 caps outside lisati milo-Harris in the backline. I would say, look to have signed too many youngsters in the backs.Northland having 10 starters out and auckland having 10 starters out is not equal.
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@muddyriver yeah I think 10 players made thier debut yesterday?
Several of the Auckland debutants have played national age group recently too, so yep, quality of depth is always an issue.
I like the look of the squad, but will need some players to really step up, particularly the leaders, as you say some very young players, that I guess fits with how McLeod generally prefers to develop players.
