The Silver Fern

@Bovidae RIP Shaver, a really good human, always good for a chat. So sad to hear he has passed. Condolences to his family.

@Bovidae that would make more sense, i thought they might be preparing to include Finau at short notice

three props on the bench is an interesting choice

@Bovidae It sounds like him, early to mid 20's, fair to say he is carrying a little extra weight. A big man and a hell of a scrummager.

I think Tucker will be fit for round 1, probably just pulling the veteran card by not playing pre-season haha.

Maybe they bring in coffin as cover, I see they used Cribb & Smith, but they're on the smaller side for a lock. Hansen has potential.

Sosaia Folau - a new name for me, are you sure this wasn't Sosaia Fale from HOB?

I see McWhannell is not available until week 3 or 4 as well

The squad seems light at lock, especially with McWhannell unavailable for the first couple of rounds. Burr is the obvious option but isn't the tallest lock around. Maybe Parker will cover at lock....

@Bovidae Hautapu looked really good in beating Old Boys for the 2nd time this season. With Te Awamutu tipping up Marist, you have to say Hautapu & Te Awamutu deserve the top 2 spots heading into the final round (and semi-finals). It will be interesting to see if any of the remaining teams can pose a serious challenge come semi-final time.

Tech looks almost a certainty for the Championship final, I can only see Matamata having a hope of challenging them.

@Bovidae Tommy V is now confirmed as departing. ESPN are reporting they have signed Zylan Cheatham to replace Brantley

@Chester-Draws You've hit the nail on the head!

Also, Nigel Hotham builds a great rapport with his players. They are very loyal to him and want to play for him. I'm sure this helps with culture and consequently results.

@Stargazer yeah, that might be it. The last time they attended Sannix a few of their students were caught shoplifting, unsurpirsingly it didn't go down well with the Japanese

@Stargazer does that mean Hamilton are still unwelcome after their controversey a few years back?

@Stargazer Ishmail Shabazz...not a Kiwi but spent tie playing for Te Awamutu Sports in the Waikato

@Canes4life He's a 12 that can play 10. A big frame on him, good footwork. can kick. He played for St John's College in the CNI comp, made the barbarians team from memory. A good pick up.

@foobaNZ they are in with a good chance, they have a good mix of experience and flair. They are playng well. I'm picking them to get the W

@Cpt-Kumera He makes things happen, exciting player to watch...seems to have a bit of character too!

Does this mean MSR is a replacement for Brown...meaning Ah Kuoi can slot into the role Brown filled...6/Lock, he has done that well for BOP this season

@Bovidae Top man, he will add value down south

@Bovidae I don't think Tucker is too serious, i'm not sure it will be this week though

@Nepia Brett Finch

@Bovidae Yeah, I thought they pulled the maul down and then when the Finau knocked on Nock was playing the ball with his hands