The Silver Fern

Drew Wild playing at 10. Brett Cameron late withdrawal.

Sotutu's Instagram shows he has had surgery on his left shoulder.

Judd took a heavy knock in a recent match. Thought Sinton lacked confidence prior to this match, but showed his potential v Manawatu. Lasaqa was hobbling a bit. Amazing acceleration for sure

@Duluth said in Auckland v Manawatu:

@Kirwan said in Auckland v Manawatu:

Manawatu have a great backline (not you Laumape, thanks for the try). Their halfback in particular has great mongrel.

I expect the centre, Kyle Brown, to get a SR contract. He makes some good decisions

Conditions were tough in this game. Auckland played into the strong wind and had the dipping sun in their face. Manawatu had to put up with that in the second half

Some very good goalkicking from Taele given the conditions

Hopefully he does he was good last year as well.

I am not impressed with Waikato's coaching this year, particularly the backline attack. I assume Sweeney is in charge of this. Some SR players are looking very ordinary at the moment. I realise that this was essentially a Waikato B forward pack (outside of the Jacobsons) but they are still providing enough momentum to create more.

And why take off the best Waikato back early in the 2nd half? Cruden was poor but he plays the full 80 mins. Let's see Cook-Savage have a go there FFS.

He's playing on the blindside because Christie is the incumbent 7, but I think his future is on the openside.

Damn this weekends tipping must be on track to be one of the lowest...

@Dan54 I reckon last week v Northland he forgot how fast he was when chasing that kick through 😄

Losing players to your chequebook?

@Mr-Fish said in Manawatu v North Harbour:

@delicatessen said in Manawatu v North Harbour:

Laumape started his AB's return campaign on the right note. First touch was a dinky chip to no space just outside his 22 with no advantage. Lovely.

There's that kicking game all his supporters love to talk up.

I was one of those when he left lol. Certainly was never his main drawcard tho.

Was a close run game. Naki look like they need a rest after storm week, but will take the W!

Hmm Manawatu are really not very good without Cruden

@Bovidae Out for the season... I am assuming he is having a surgery so he is ready for the Highlanders.

@Canes4life said in Manawatu v Hawkes Bay:

@Duluth said in Manawatu v Hawkes Bay:

10 Danny Toala

Lol wtf.

You underestimated my power to mess with the Canes. The original selection had Godfrey at 10 until James got my text.

😉

@Darren said in Wellington v Manawatu:

Lakai looked great, reminds me of a harder working Ardie. Possibly less highlights, but just doesn't stop working.
And why do we persist with J Savea? He doesn't offer anything.

I think in time Lakai will be a bigger and better version than Ardie. He's got the frame that's made for international footy and I feel the ABs have him earmarked as Sam Cane's replacement when he retires at the end of the year. He just needs to keep learning his craft and improving.

In the future I can see him and Sititi forming a pretty awesome combo for the All Blacks at 7 and 8 together, maybe even by the next WC.

@taniwharugby great to see his excitement at scoring as well.

Thought Howden and Iose had huge games for the Turbos despite the scoreboard.