Good to get that result. Was doing the haka in the lounge at 8am at that ridiculous 14 point try for Otago after the call on K Pryor, but I guess we got away with a shocking call in the lead up to the match winning penalty when Matich dropped it near the ref so can't complain too much. Still a shame to let them get a bonus point.
Have to say although we're looking dangerous in the backs this year the forwards are really setting a platform. Rinakama, Moulds and Wright are consistently playing well. Think Moulds is finally standing out now - guess the increased game time for the Blues has benefitted him. Josh Goodhue played the best game I've ever seen him play for Northland - his ball carries were a step up on what he's done previously.
I think Douglas going into lock was a bit of a blessing for us - we had a mobile loose trio that really put Otago under a lot of pressure. Think that's our strongest loose trio although you could swap in K Pryor for either of D Pryor and Ram too. Think having Matich back tightens up the defence a lot.
Agree with @Gunner that Sam Nock is going well. Thought bar the one kick out on the full he was excellent again - he's winning the head to head battles most games. Jack Goodhue again stood out - he's looking like an AB playing Mitre 10 Cup. Clawed an intercept back but think he's still in the red. He is a very smart player and has some nice touches but has also been a big physical presence in midfield - makes him and Ranger such a handful. Thought Hyland was good again apart from getting exploited by a few kicks - that's definitely going to need looking at. His ball carrying and defence have been excellent. Alaimalo and Macilai again very good - you can see why they're statistically two of the more dangerous in the comp. Hopefully Alaimalo can get the 15 jersey for the Chiefs and see if he can kick on at that level. It will be interesting to see where Tamati Tua fits in for the rest of the season - can't see a place in the starting line up just yet.
Interesting to see how different players are standing out this year. When we weren't playing so well guys like Dan and Kara Pryor really stood out, however this year with the whole team really performing some of the other guys have started to step up like Ross Wright, Josh Goodhue, Nock and Hyland yet the Pryor brothers haven't been as prominent. Not saying they're playing poorly just not standing out quite as much as previously.
With Sam Nocks form you wonder if he will be a shot at the NZ Maori squad. Same with Ross Wright - he's been going well so far this season and the NZ Maori are short of propping depth.
