Hawke's Bay v Northland

[Higgins]

@nepia It certainly has a makeshift look to it but there are still a few players there that have experienced a decent number of first class games (if not exactly starters). The backline looks like it might score a few tries and the forwards might have to roll up theirs sleeves a bit looking a tad shy on experience at this level (apart from the Evans Brothers)
On the other hand Northland also look a bit of a mix and match side as well.

Memo to Joel Hintz - I never want to see you smiling when our opponents score a try (albeit a touch of a lucky one) against us like that 'Poo player did last week ever again. It was noted you were subbed immediately afterward, whether it was a planned move or punishment for that sin remains to be seen.

[Steven Harris]

@taniwharugby suspect we might see Ranger run around next year.

[taniwharugby]

@steven-harris I think he showed this year there is more still in the tank, certainly played a bit smarter too, whether he wants to keep doing it to his body is another matter...

[kev]

@taniwharugby said in Hawke's Bay v Northland:

@steven-harris I like the physicality Terepai King brings.

Good chance for a few to impress with rare gametime.

Is Ranger injured? No idea if he is signed for next year, but if not, Wednesday was his last game!

Decent sprinkling of rookies across the team, but doesnt give any real idea of any development or plans for the future from these coaches.

One of Northland’s big weaknesses is developing young players. Something we must turn around. Great talent nowadays but we seem to make players worse not better.

The other thing is team leadership. We have to develop leaders in the squad. We had a howling gale behind us against BOP, sweeping directly into one corner. Perfect for a cross field wipers kick from 1st or 2nd, and we are inside the 22. What do we do from scrum? Skip pass to centre and then Macalai kicks infield from the wing. Primary school stuff.

[taniwharugby]

@kev our work inside opposition 22 has been poor all season, last week v Otago was the worst, lack of ideas, poor execution, and inability to play what is in front of you.

[Number 10]

Drizzling rain here at McLean Park.

[Nepia]

If anyone knows, ahem, how I can watch this in Oz, can them PM me please?

[Steven Harris]

@taniwharugby the most telling comment i had passed on me to me was, without North Harbour and Counties Manukau not competing in the 2021 Bunnings NPC ,we only had 5 teams in the championship , we only needed 2 wins we could not even achieve that .
I will watch tonite primarly to check on a couple of new guys making their debuts , but to be honest the season coming to its conclusion cant come soon enough ..

[Stargazer]

Error-ridden game, probably because it's wet and there are lots of new faces on the field. Magpies lead 10 - 9 at the break (2 tries to 0).

Harry Godfrey looks promising; he runs Ben Smith like.

Typical Magpies scoring, with Devery scoring two tries of the line-out maul.

[Stargazer]

For who can't watch the game. There's been a change in the Magpies line-up. Tuitavuki not playing; Toala starting on the left wing and Jonah Lowe will be wearing the 22 jersey.

[Stockcar86]

Apikitoa off, Hintz on

[Stargazer]

Also worth noting that Gareth Evans was on fire in that first half. Tackle machine, but also on attack.

Slight injury worry for Apikotoa, who seems to have an ankle niggle. Replaced for the 2nd half by Hintz.

[Stockcar86]

Tusitala has a second of delay after pulling the ball out of the ruck before he passes - really limiting the backline options

[Stargazer]

@stockcar86 It's really annoying. So slow.

[Stargazer]

That was a great clearance kick from Higgins. No, not you @Higgins !

[Stargazer]

Tremain off; Funaki on.

[Stargazer]

52 minutes played. Magpies 17 - 16 Northland

[Stargazer]

Joel Hintz is a liability; he's just too small.

[Stargazer]

Tusitala has a temper.

[Stargazer]

Have Makene and Godfrey swapped positions or has Makene gone off? Godfrey seems to playing at 10 now.