19 replies to this topic

[taniwharugby]

Murray, Tu'u, Wallis
Burman, O'Connor
Budd, Eyre, Pryor
Caine, Holwell
Bancroft, Ranger
Hauraki, Payne © Heem

Reserves; Dow, Wright, Fa'anunu, Griffin, Hamilton, Dewes, L Munro

From that, am guessing they feel Caine can defend the fringes a bit better than Hamilton with a powerful Wellington loose trio.

Griffin to cover lock, Tu'u covering 7, with wright able to hook as well, 2 props and 2 hookers on the bench...

[FarNthHayden]

nice looking squad, i'd still like to see Wright or Fa'anunu start in place of Wallis. And maybe even give Dow a start. Its good to see that we can name 5 front rowers in the squad without it taking out any of the major reserves postions

[Gunner]

Strange mix! Griffin will be covering 4,5,6 & 8. Will be good to get a look at Fa'anunu.

[justin77]

Thats a handy looking squad, hopefully Wallis can lift this week and put in his best performance, he's certainly got a few guys chomping at his heels..

It would make my year if we could tip over Wellington, I've been getting all sorts of shit this week down here! Cmon boys!!!!

[taniwharugby]

I reckon if Wallis is getting done early, we'll see Fa'anunu early.

[justin77]

taniwharugby said:

I reckon if Wallis is getting done early, we'll see Fa'anunu early.

He's been pulled before half time in the last two games hasn't he?

[taniwharugby]

he has...about 35 or so.

Reckon he could be earlier if he struggles this week

[justin77]

I get this feeling this might be his last chance to shine, especially if Fa'anunu comes on and has a blinder.

[kev]

All good.

More options in the front row - great. Hopefully Mike Cron has worked his magic.

I like seeing Dewes back on the bench - presume he is playing well. If brings some of that 2008 form he will be good.

The Caine - Hamilton struggle continues. Should certainly motivate them both!

We need a victory against a big 4 team. Last week I took a bit of flack from a Crusaders friend who didn't like being told that Tasman had out passioned Canterbury. Thats all it takes when you have got the raw talent - which we do. Its hard being Northland supporter sometimes but this could be our year.

Edited by kev, 25 August 2010 - 08:21 PM.

[taniwharugby]

oh yeah, forgot that.

Have been some intense scrum sessions fo rthe Northland pack with Mike Cron this week

[Baz]

IMO the scrum is down to 8 people not just one prop, Wallis is a tighthead and has been training and playing at this postion all season.

[Gunner]

A little birdy just tapped me on the shoulder....could be a change to the team with Lachie to 15, Payne to 13 and Ranger to 11!

[taniwharugby]

Baz said:

IMO the scrum is down to 8 people not just one prop, Wallis is a tighthead and has been training and playing at this postion all season.

that it is, but to my untrained eye, it looks like his side is struggling more, so is it him or his lock? He is getting pulled at 35mins or so, not the lock?

Someone else said he may still be carrying a niggle, is he? He looked a better scrummager last seaosn, aside form looking fitter what has changed?.

I know that is a simplistic way to look at it, but hey, I'm a simple guy.

Edited by taniwharugby, 25 August 2010 - 10:00 PM.

[North!and]

Great to see Dewes back in the 22 after a season out through injury, gives us some decent midfield cover always a good defender round the ankles. Iwi gets the start over Lachie, will be great to see two powerful runners in him and Ranger in the same backline. Last week he got some go forward even though we were going backward at the set piece. He should run great off Rangers shoulder. It's a very attacking backline, Lachie is unlucky to be left out but I suspect he may be benching to replace Holwell if he goes down again like last week. Can't wait to see Heem get another 80mins, really impressed with him thus far. And I'm thinking it could be last chance saloon for Wallis if he doesn't step up with two props chomping at the bit to get in there, love watching Wright with ball in hand.

[cricketman]

Looking forward to this one. For me this match is HUGE, as Kev eluded to earlier if this is to be a special year then Wellington would make an excellent scalp. The race for the top 7 is heating up and it's important that we take some points out of this encounter.

[taniwharugby]

not being able to close out the NH could be vital I reckon

[the champ is here]

I am amping for this game. I reckon we've got a bloody good chance of tipping over these show ponies. I'm a little worried about Savea but we can counter him with Ranger so all good.
First competitive game I will see live since Southland 2003 I think - we haven't played anywhere near the Wellington region for ever.

[kingster]

remember that game fondly mate, that was the last win we had before that enormous drought. caucau tore up that day

[the champ is here]

Yeah it was a goody. Except for the fact Southlanders were happy to lose considering it meant they stayed up in 1st div.

Caucau tore up most days, and I remember telling Mex as much before the game - how right we were. He and Fero were brilliant.

[Gunner]

the champ is here said:

Yeah it was a goody. Except for the fact Southlanders were happy to lose considering it meant they stayed up in 1st div.

Caucau tore up most days, and I remember telling Mex as much before the game - how right we were. He and Fero were brilliant.

Haha I still remember remember that conversation with Mexted, he basically laughed in our faces when we told him we would win because we had the two darkies on the wings....