Auckland v Waikato

[Bovidae]

Waikato team:

1 Robb Cobb (Hamilton Old Boys)
2 Samisoni Taukei’aho (Fraser Tech)
3 Sefo Kautai (Hamilton Marist)
4 Hamilton Burr (Hautapu)
5 Samipeni Finau (Hamilton Old Boys)
6 Adam Thomson (Morrinsville Sports)
7 Luke Jacobson (Hautapu) - Captain
8 Liam Messam (Raglan)
9 Xavier Roe (Hamilton Old Boys)
10 Fletcher Smith (University)
11 Gideon Wrampling (Hamilton Old Boys)
12 Bailyn Sullivan (Hamilton Marist)
13 Quinn Tupaea (Hamilton Old Boys)
14 Liam Coombes-Fabling (Fraser Tech)
15 Beaudein Waaka (Melville)

16 Steven Misa (Hamilton Marist)
17 Ollie Norris (Hautapu)
18 Josh Iosefa-Scott (Melville)
19 James Thompson (Hautapu)
20 Hugo Nankivell (Fraser Tech)
21 Cortez Ratima (Otorohanga)
22 Rivez Reihana (Melville)
23 Louis Rogers (University)

http://www.mooloo.co.nz/newsarticle/96960

[ARHS]

Presumably Mitch Jacobsen still injured. Surprised with Wrampling and Rogers in the mix ahead of Lansdown, Osborne and Te Whare Crosby, but otherwise looks strongest possible lineup. I may head up to Eden Park for this one

[Bovidae]

@ARHS Yes, shoulder injury I think. No news on Johnstone's health either. There are never any updates when the team is announced.

Wrampling provides some size on the wing as Coombes-Fabling and Waaka aren't big. Osborne would too, but he's been shit.

I thought Luke did OK at 7 against Boshier and co. Auckland have 2 opensides in their trio.

[ARHS]

@Bovidae Yes, I was worried about combating the Auckland pair without Mitch - but Luke was very good last week. I have not seen either Osborne or Wrampling impose themselves as much as hoped, but am ok the latter gets the chance - although I prefer Te Whare-Crosby. I am hoping to make it to Eden Park

[Chris B.]

Hamilton Burr's parents are history fans?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burr–Hamilton_duel

[Duluth]

Whetton was interviewed at the ground. Should be back next week

[Tim]

That was classic Jacobson!

[Tim]

@Chris-B Love it.

[Dice]

Not much in it. 14 - 7 to Auckland at half time.

Good to have Rayasi and Faiane back. Two of our better players in the first half.

[Mokey]

Waikato fullback and hooker letting down the side big time.

[Dice]

Seems Faiane picked up an injury and now Hickey has replaced him.

[Dice]

Great defense by Rayasi to save a try.

[African Monkey]

Messy game so far. We have them at set piece time but can't seem to string anything more than 3 phases at a time.

[Tim]

Scrum right call.

[Tim]

Rayasi has got to get some game time in 2021 Super Rugby.

[Tim]

Great to see Plummer kicking well.

[Tim]

Off the ball tackle from Messam.

[Kirwan]

What a fucking great try

[Dice]

Sweet. Bonus point in the bag.

[Dice]

Also, back to the top of the table.