I don't think Lord was used as a lineout target at all in the 1st half as Hoeata and Sowakula were the main options. It was only once Hoeata went off injured that Taranaki changed their lineout calls.
@delicatessen I saw Connor McLeod being helped by the physio back into the changing rooms as the team went back inside to complete whatever they do about 7 minutes prior to kick off. I can only summise that you must declare your matchday 23 to the referee and opposition maybe half an hour before kick off and any injuries etc after that time it is just bad luck and there is no provision for any late additions. Guess that must be to even things up for visiting teams who obviously would not have access to a third halfback for example that late in the game.
Yep, he stuffed his knee in the warmup.
His replacement will probably be Zach Donaldson.
The halfbacks in the Development Team's three matches in the last three weeks have been Trent Hape, Humphrey Sheild and Shamara Brooks.
Although ... I did see Aidan Thomas at the game yesterday - it was Saracens Day ....
@Steven-Harris yeah most of our props are the weak links in our pack, in that thier fitness leaves alot to be desired which affects thier decision making and execution (penalties, defensive lapses, hands)
@Chris It was bizarre that he was left out in 2018 when he was easily the best in club rugby that year but they decided to go for 2 journeymen in Phil Burleigh and Sam Beard instead which did nothing for them in the long term as they both only lasted the 1 season.
Yeah exactly we were not impressed with those selections they were both poor.
I was thinking that season Nu’u must get a chance then they name the squad with those two in,Bizarre is a great word for it no rhyme or reason to it.
@Duluth yup, not gonna be easy, made tougher by the limp performance on Friday.
Otago have a tough run in too, Cant (A) SOuthland (A) Ta$man (H)
Reckon Southland have probably the best run in, Manawatu (A) Otago (H), Counties (H)
Depending on naki's result today, they finish with Counties (H) Manawatu (A) HB (H)
Potentially be tight for 2nd-5th (although Otago in the box seat for 2nd) with HB pretty much sealed as top
@Magpie_in_aus Lowe played often centre during his schoolboy days and played both wing and centre for NZ U20s. He has played in the 13 jersey occasionally for the Magpies in his first years in the squad. Personally, I think it's his best position, although he's playing well on both wings.
What a game by Otago! Their motley crew of forwards were excellent. Who’s that nuggety barrel playing number 8?
Josh Ioane seems to have a calming influence in the way they attack as well.
Dylan Nel a South African born player he played in Canterbury for a few years made the Canterbury B side was around the A squad but couldn’t get game time moved to Otago last season
Thanks Chris. I can’t say I remember him. He played with a bit of fire in the belly.
@mariner4life Sky has been showing archive NPC playoff games. I have recorded last nights Waikato-Canterbury SF from 1998, as I remember it well. I won't bother with the final. 🙂
