Moana Pasifika vs Chiefs

[Stargazer]

One advantage of Taukei’aho being unavailable is that Thompson finally gets an opportunity.

[Canes4life]

@bovidae I was about to post that, Burr spent some time training with the Canes last year and from memory he was training as a lock. Interesting selection to play him at 7.

[Dice]

That Chiefs team is stronger than the team the Crusaders put out against Moana Pasifika.

[Stargazer]

@daffy-jaffy said in Moana Pasifika vs Chiefs:

Moana Pasifika vs Chiefs
Saturday, 7:05pm, Mt Smart Stadium

Moana Pasifika

1. Ezekiel Lindenmuth, 2. Luteru Tolai, 3. Sekope Kepu (c), 4. Mike McKee, 5. Sam Slade, 6. Sione Tu’ipulotu, 7. Solomone Funaki, 8. Henry Time-Stowers, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10.Christian Leali’ifano, 11.Neria Foma’i, 12. Danny Toala, 13. Levi Aumua 14. Tima Fainga’anuku, 15. William Havili.

Reserves: 16. Samiuela Moli, 17. Taukiha’amea Kolomatagi, 18. Joe Apikotoa, 19.Alex McRobbie, 20. Josh Kaifa, 21. Ereatara Enari, 22. Lincoln McClutchie,23. Fine Inisi.

The Magpies contribution to MP has risen to 9. Only Lolagi Visinia and Anzelo Tuitavuki still missing in the line-up.

[Bovidae]

@canes4life There probably isn't much choice with the 2 WTG opensides (Florence and M Jacobson) also in the unavailable list. The only other option would have been to bring in Veveni Lasaqa, an U20 player, if he was available. Burr is reasonably mobile.

@Stargazer Maximum Chiefs HB representation this week.

[Bovidae]

Also, the photos from yesterday's training show both Cane and Boshier involved. They must be late withdrawals. Stevenson only rested.

[Dice]

ENS isn't on the unavailable list.

[Bovidae]

@dice said in Moana Pasifika vs Chiefs:

ENS isn't on the unavailable list.

Nor is Tiatia.

[Machpants]

How often are unavailable lists accurate? Not often I would say, all the franchises are pretty crap at keeping theirsupporters informed in that way

[Crucial]

I am a little annoyed that Narawa has been pushed out of the 15 jersey to get Trask a run.

[Crucial]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/300543215/no-sam-cane-anton-lienertbrown-in-depleted-chiefs-side-to-face-moana-pasifika

[Yeetyaah]

Weird af. Reihana covering halfback? After the way Moana played v the Crusaders idk if it's wise putting out a half-assed squad.

[Machpants]

@yeetyaah said in Moana Pasifika vs Chiefs:

Weird af. Reihana covering halfback? After the way Moana played v the Crusaders idk if it's wise putting out a half-assed squad.

That might be so they've got standing, to a certain extent

[Hooroo]

Is this the postponed match from the first round?

[Machpants]

@hooroo said in Moana Pasifika vs Chiefs:

Is this the postponed match from the first round?

Round 2, but yes

[ARHS]

Must be huge numbers out at other nz franchises if Chiefs can play with 17 players ruled out.

[Crucial]

@arhs said in Moana Pasifika vs Chiefs:

Must be huge numbers out at other nz franchises if Chiefs can play with 17 players ruled out.

I think they have made a real effort (at a little risk) to get this game played and deserve some kudos for that.
Risk is a loss or loss of a bonus point. Positive is that it (hopefully) gets rid of the 3 games in 8 days scenario.

[Bovidae]

Without knowing exactly who the 7 players that were ruled out last were, most seem to be back, while a lot from the Crusaders game are now missing. The Chiefs won't want any late defections as I doubt there are many other options in the forwards.

[Duluth]

The round two game was meant to be in Hamilton. So this is a Chiefs home game at Mt Smart? Then later in the year it's a Pasfika home game which is also at Mt Smart?

[Bovidae]

I think/expect that the return fixture (April 16) will now be a Chiefs home game. It would have been the midweek game otherwise. Good to get MP playing again, and to give them a home game.

The Super Rugby Aupiki games are to be played at FMG Stadium Waikato on Sunday so it would make sense not to play there the night before.