Hawke's Bay v Counties Manukau

[Higgins]

Can't recall having seen the number 5 in action before. Can anyone fill us in on how they rate him thanks? Wonder who the guy expected to cover Cridge if (when) he gets injured once subbed on, where is TBW when we need him?
Counties have not looked flash in the couple of times I've seen them play so we must be in with a reasonable chance of victory even considering our two wins have been against very ordinary opponents.

[Stargazer]

Counties Manukau:

1 Sean Bagshaw, 2 Joe Royal, 3 Kalolo Tuiloma, 4 Viliame Rarasea, 5 Matiaha Martin, 6 Matt Vaai, 7 Caleb Fa'alili, 8 Dan Hyatt, 9 Te Aihe Toma, 10 Latiume Fosita, 11 Tevita Nabura, 12 Cardiff Vaega, 13 Sam Furniss, 14 Toni Pulu, 15 Luteru Laulala

Reserves: 16 Gafatasi Su’a, 17 Mark Royal, 18 Coree Te Whata Colley, 19 Michael McKee, 20 Sikeli Nabou, 21 Liam Daniela, 22 Orby Leger, 23 Savelio Ropati.

.

A few changes from the line-up from Wednesday against Taranaki. Probably the most important change is at 7, Sam Henwood getting injured (concussed?) on Wednesday. Other changes at no. 8 and the midfield, including Orby Leger moving to the bench in favour of last year's Magpie Cardiff Vaega. Also changes at 17, 20 and 23 (Ropati started at no. 8 last week, so also an extra forward on the bench).

[Stargazer]

@higgins said in Hawke's Bay v Counties Manukau:

Can't recall having seen the number 5 in action before. Can anyone fill us in on how they rate him thanks? Wonder who the guy expected to cover Cridge if (when) he gets injured once subbed on, where is TBW when we need him?

Sam Ulufonua is one of the players who came to the Bay from Auckland at the beginning of the year. Can't say I've seen much of him myself. Here's some info about him:

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=12025392

[Stargazer]

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=12117152

[Higgins]

Ouch, not the best of starts.

[Higgins]

There is something not quite right about the Magpies socks, they are clearly not black and white hoops.

[Higgins]

Brad Weber down, a quick check of the reserve list does not show C. Eaton in the number 20 jersey so rest easy Stockcar 86.

[Nepia]

@higgins said in Hawke's Bay v Counties Manukau:

Brad Weber down, a quick check of the reserve list does not show C. Eaton in the number 20 jersey so rest easy Stockcar 86.

Instead we have an awesome backup in Fakatava.

[Nepia]

Taulagi's casual-ness pisses me off, he catches a pass and carries it under his arm, and then moves it to one hand just before he approaches defenders.

[Nepia]

Try to Counties after a turn over and 75 metre run with Hawkes Bay hot on attack.

[Higgins]

Ben May going for an unnecessary miracle off load that his skill level prevents and the end result is a runaway try 70 metres down field

[Nepia]

Jonah Lowe scores with some soccer skills.

[Higgins]

@nepia You can just imagine what Stargazer is doing right now! The try was beautiful to watch.

[Nepia]

Hungus Taulagi probably blew a try then, going on his own with players outside.

[Nepia]

Now Falcon kicks when a through the hands would have seen an easy try.

Grrrrrr!

[Higgins]

Is it just my imagination that Counties are stretching the off side line to a large degree or do they simply have 15 Usain Bolts in their lineup given the quickness they seem to get up to tackle their opponents?

[Higgins]

That's good sign, the Counties half back penalized for delaying the put in when his scrum is under big pressure that time, just like the last few scrums. Hopefully our advantage in that area will continue on.

[Higgins]

And it does continue with Mark Braidwood crashing the Counties tighthead to the ground winning penalty at the very next scrum.

[Nepia]

Nice, try from the lineout maul to Kaifa. About time.

[Higgins]

I have become a lover of the rolling maul/lineout drive this year for obvious reasons as our guys rumble over for yet another try