Now that the dust has settled on the first round of the ITM Cup. We can see how our predictions stacked up against the actual results. The upsets of the round came from last year’s minnows, Northland and Counties-Manukau, with both beating more fancied opposition. They along with Hawke’s Bay, Southland, Waikato, Auckland and Wellington will be happy with their opening weeks work.
Feature matches in Round 2 include a Ranfurly Shield challenge from Otago as they take on their Highlander neighbours Southland. As well as Auckland hosting Waikato, which has all the hallmarks of a potential semi final ? This game is always a spectacle with plenty of Blues and Chiefs ‘Super Rugby’ talent on display.
Round 1 Analysis
Game 1 Taranaki (19) v Northland (26) Prediction: Taranaki by 10-15 pts.
Game 2 Canterbury (23) v Hawkes Bay (23) Prediction: Canterbury by 5-10 pts.
Game 3 Manawatu (23) v Southland (37) Prediction: Southland by 10-15 pts.
Game 4 Counties Manukau (29) v Otago (13) Prediction: Otago by 5-10 pts.
Game 5 Waikato (13) v Bay of Plenty (10) Prediction: Waikato by 5-10 pts.
Game 6 North Harbour (14) v Auckland (36) Prediction: Auckland by 10-15 pts.
Game 7 Wellington (20) v Tasman (11) Prediction: Wellington by 15-20 pts.
Round 1 Win Percentage 4/7 57% Season Win Percentage 4/7 57%
Leading Point Scorers after Round 1:
16 – Lachie Munro (Northland)
14 – Willie Ripia (Taranaki)
13 – Colin Slade (Canterbury)
11 – James Wilson (Southland) & Ash Moeke (Auckland)
Leading Try Scorer after Round 1:
2 – Ahsee Tuala (Counties Manukau)
Table Movement
When I look to outline the points table, I will split it into three parts. The ‘Top Four’ Semi Finalists (Teams placed 1st to 4th). Those ‘Destined for First Division Status – Playing with the Big Boys in 2011’ (Teams placed 5th to 7th), and the teams ‘Second Division Bound in 2011’ (Teams placed 8th to 14th).
This week’s table has the less fancied Northland and Counties-Manukau in the top half of the table. Competition favourites Canterbury are in 8th place after the opening round.
Top Four – Semi Finalists
1. Auckland (5) 2. Counties-Manukau (5) 3. Southland (5) 4. Wellington (4)
Destined for First Division Status – Playing with the ‘Big Boys’ in 2011
5. Northland (4) 6. Waikato (4) 7. Hawke’s Bay (2)
Second Division Bound 2011
8. Canterbury (2) 9. Bay of Plenty (1) 10. Taranaki (1) 11. Tasman (0) 12. Manawatu (0) 13. Otago (0) 14. North Harbour (0)
Round 2 Match Previews
I will do my best to update the team lists as they become available.
Game 8 Manawatu v Canterbury Prediction: Canterbury by 15-20 points
Manawatu welcome their second South Island visitor in as many weeks, and the task look no easier.
Manawatu struggled to live with Southland last week losing at home 23-37.
Turbos coach Dave Rennie has made a number of changes. Firstly moving star back Shannon Paku from wing to centre. Casey Stone comes in on the right wing and Junior Tomasi Cama will start at fly-half. Other changes in the forwards include flanker James Oliver and hooker Rob Foreman coming into the starting line up.
Manawatu will be encouraged by their second half performance against Southland, and Hadleigh Parkes will be one who will be keen to continue his eye catching Round 1 form.
Canterbury unveil two debutants in there line up. Fourth choice halfback Matt George and wing Sam Monaghan replacing the injured Willy Heinz and Patrick Osborne respectively. Tu Umaga-Marshall also replaces the injured Ryan Crotty at centre, while Andy Ellis and Robbie Fruean return from injury to the Red and Blacks bench.
Canterbury were denied a win last week with a last gasp penalty goal from Hawke’s Bay and had to settle for a 23-23 draw at home.
TEAMS:
Manawatu: 15 Craig Clare, 14 Casey Stone,13 Shannon Paku, 12 Hadleigh Parkes, 11 Lote Raikabula, 10 Tomasi Cama, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Nick Crosswell (c), 7 Doug Tietjens, 6 James Oliver, 5 Reece Robinson, 4 Michael Fitzgerald, 3 Ma’afu Fia, 2 Rob Foreman, 1 Grant Polson.
Reserves: 16 Sean O’Connor, 17 Shane Kingsland, 18 Fraser Stone, 19 Mitchell Crosswell, 20 Karl Bryson, 21 Tevita Taufui, 22 Asaeli Tikoirotuma.
Canterbury: 15 Sean Maitland, 14 Telusa Veainu, 13 Tu Umaga-Marshall, 12 Stephen Brett, 11 Sam Monaghan, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Matt George, 8 Ash Parker, 7 George Whitelock (c), 6 Matt Todd, 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Pete Borlase, 2 Steve Fualau, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: 16 Paul Ngauamo, 17 Andrew Olorenshaw, 18 Rob Verbakel, 19 Brendon O’Connor, 20 Andy Ellis, 21 Robbie Flynn, Robbie Fruean.
Game 9 Hawke’s Bay v Bay of Plenty Prediction: Hawke’s Bay by 1-5 points
This match pits two of the form teams of the opening round against each other, even though neither team won. It promises to be a close affair, which could go either way.
For Hawke’s Bay fly half Daniel Kirkpatrick took a head knock last week and is replaced by Andrew Horrell. Michael Johnson also returns to the starting line-up replacing Trent Boswell-Wakefield’s.
BOP merely tinker with their match 22, bracketing props Joe Savage and James McGougan – and interchanging Luke Braid and Solomon King between the bench and the starting XV.
Hawke’s Bay fronted up well in the forwards last week against a strong Canterbury pack, with Hikawera Elliot and Mike Coman turning in eye catching performances.
BOP’s Culum Retallick and Colin Bourke were also powerful in lasts weeks closely fought 13-10 loss to Waikato.
TEAMS:
Hawke’s Bay: 1. Kas Lealamanua, 2. Hikawera Elliot, 3. Clint Newland, 4. Bryn Evans, 5. Ross Kennedy, 6. Michael Johnson, 7. Karl Lowe, 8. Mike Coman, 9. Kahn Fotuali’i, 10. Andrew Horrell, 11. Zac Guildford, 12. Ryan McLeod, 13. Jason Shoemark (captain), 14. Richard Buckman, 15. Luke Rooney.
Reserves: 16. Eugene Smith, 17. Anthony Perenise, 18. Leighton Price, 19. Grant Webb, 20. Chris Eaton, 21. Star Timu, 22. Mark Jackman.
Bay of Plenty: 1. Joe Savage or James McGougan, 2. John Pareanga, 3. Josh Hohneck, 4. Luke Andrews, 5. Culum Retallick, 6. Solomon King, 7. Tanerau Latimer, 8. Colin Bourke (captain), 9. Taniela Moa, 10. Daniel Waenga, 11. Jason Hona, 12. Grant McQuoid, 13. Brett Mather, 14. Lance MacDonald, 15. Toby Arnold.
Reserves: 16. Simon Chisholm, 17. McGougan or Savage, 18. Aidan Kuka, 19. Luke Braid, 20. Chad Tuoro, 21. Phil Burleigh, 22. Lelia Masaga.
Game 10 Taranaki v Tasman Prediction: Taranaki by 10-15 points
Taranaki will be looking to bounce back after a very disappointing opening fixture.
Taranaki lost their opening fixture of the season 19-26 to the less fancied Northland.
Tasman battled a strong Wellington side last week as well as the weather conditions losing 11-20.
Taranaki has bracketed Willie Ripia and Beauden Barrett at fly half. Scott Waldrom is also bracketed with Kane Barrett on the reserves bench.
For Tasman, Afaleki Pelenise is replaced on the wing by James Kamana, and Glen Gregory and Tevita Kolomatangi are bracketed on the side of the scrum.
TEAMS:
Taranaki: 1. Shane Cleaver, 2. Laurence Corlett, 3. Michael Bent, 4. James Broadhurst, 5. Craig Clarke (captain), 6. Jarrad Hoeata, 7. Chris Walker, 8. Ben Souness, 9. Tyson Keats, 10. Willie Ripia or Beauden Barrett, 11. David Smith, 12. Jayden Hayward, 13. George Pisi, 14. Andre Taylor, 15. Kurt Baker.
Reserves: 16. Timo Tutavaha, 17. Carl Carmichael, 18. Scott Waldrom or Kane Barrett, 19. Samuela Vunisa, 20. Brett Goodin, 21. Isaia Tuifua, 22. Beauden Barrett or Codey Rei.
Tasman: 1. Sam Prattley, 2. Francis Smith, 3. Fai Mika, 4. Jarrod Aberhart, 5. Chris Jack (captain), 6. Glen Gregory or Tevita Kolomatangi, 7. Jonathan Poff, 8. Poutasi Luafutu, 9. Steve Alfeld, 10. James Marshall, 11. James Kamana, 12. Tom Marshall, 13. Kade Poki, 14. Blair Cook, 15. Robbie Malneek.
Reserves: 16. Vernon Fredericks, 17. Hamish Cochrane, 18. Kolomatangi or Anthony Elisala, 19. Shane Christie, 20. Kaide Whiting, 21. Daniel Hawkins, 22. Sione Holani.
Game 11 Auckland v Waikato Prediction: Auckland by 5-10 points
This is the first clash of ‘Super Rugby’ home base franchises, and this one traditionally is always a spicy encounter.
Auckland scored five tries when they crossed the bridge last weekend against little brother North Harbour. They can expect Waikato to be a lot less easy to intimidate.
Auckland will be expected to win, however Waikato also will fancy their chances of getting something out of the game.
Auckland name the same 22 that played North Harbour in Round 1. There is only one change in the run on side being the return of fly half Matt Berquist ahead of Ash Moeke.
Waikato has lost captain Liam Messam to the All Black camp in Christchurch this weekend and Jackson Willison has a hamstring strain. This has given starts to Dominiko Waqaniburotu and Henry Speight.
TEAMS:
Auckland: 1. Tevita Mailau, 2. Tom McCartney, 3. Charlie Faumuina, 4.Kurtis Haiu, 5. Andrew van der Heijden, 6. Onosai’i Auva’a, 7. Daniel Braid, 8. Peter Saili, 9. Toby Morland, 10. Matt Berquist, 11. Chay Raui, 12. Jamie Helleur, 13. Ben Atiga, 14. Atieli Pakalani, 15. Brent Ward.
Reserves: 16. Ash Dixon, 17. Pauliasi Manu, 18. Liaki Moli, 19. Chris Lowery, 20. Brenton Helleur, 21. Ash Moeke, 22. Dave Thomas.
Waikato: 1. Toby Smith, 2. Aled de Malmanche, 3. Nathan White (captain), 4. Romana Graham, 5. Toby Lynn, 6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 7. Jack Lam, 8. Stephen Setephano, 9. Brendon Leonard, 10. Trent Renata, 11. Dwayne Sweeney, 12. Christian Leali’ifano, 13. Save Tokula, 14. Henry Speight, 15. Sosene Anesi.
Reserves: 16. Vern Kamo, 17. Hikairo Forbes, 18. Matt Vant Leven, 19. Alex Bradley, 20. Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 21. Tim Mikkelson, 22. Sam Christie.
Game 12 Southland v Otago Prediction: Southland by 10-15 points
This fixture doubles as a Ranfurly Shield match. Otago will need to make huge strides in performance if they are to bring the ‘Log of Wood’ home for the first time since 1957.
Southland looks stronger all across the park. They have said that they will be looking to attack Otago’s set piece. Which should be interesting as it is Otago’s point of strength.
Otago look to have their back against the wall in this encounter. Only All Black Ben Smith and replacement flanker Eben Joubert (sounds surprisingly South African) left the field last weekend after a humiliating lose to Counties-Manukau, with their heads held high.
In team news, for Southland the only change is James Paterson being bracketed with Mark Wells on the Southland wing.
For Otago the same 22 from last week has been named, however Hoani Matenga and Eben Joubert come into the starting XV, with Seko Kalou and Peter Grant dropping to the bench.
TEAMS:
Southland: 1. Jamie Mackintosh (captain), 2. Jason Rutledge, 3. Chris King, 4. Josh Bekhuis, 5. Joe Tuineau, 6. John Hardie, 7. Tim Boys, 8. Elliot Dixon, 9. Scott Cowan, 10. James Wilson, 11. James Paterson or Mark Wells, 12. Matt Saunders, 13. Kendrick Lynn, 14. Glen Horton, 15. Robbie Robinson.
Reserves: 16. Bayden Mitchell, 17. Nic Barrett or Michael Peterson, 18. Dion Bates, 19. Kane Thompson, 20. Sonny Rangitohereri, 21. Wells or Pehi Te Whare, 22. Tony Koonwaiyou.
Otago: 1. Kees Meeuws, 2. Peter Mirrielees, 3. Sam Hibbard, 4. Hoani Matenga, 5. Hayden Triggs, 6. Eben Joubert, 7. Alando Soakai (captain), 8. Adam Thomson, 9. Sean Romans, 10. Glenn Dickson, 11. Fetu’u Vainikolo, 12. Josh Tatupu, 13. Ben Smith, 14. Ryan Shortland, 15. Chris Small.
Reserves: 16. Liam Coltman, 17. Blair Young, 18. Seko Kalou, 19. Peter Grant, 20. Johnny Legg, 21. Andrew Parata, 22. Joe Hill.
Game 13 Wellington v Counties-Manukau Prediction: Wellington by 15-20 points
This match is between two of the ‘Top Four’ on the current points table after Round one.
Both sides will be hoping for better weather conditions in the capital in order to unleash their running game.
Wellington played well in horrendous conditions last week to beat Tasman 20-11.
Tana Umaga’s Counties produced one of the upsets of Round 1 beating Otago 29-13.
This looks a far sterner test for the boys from south of the Bombay Hills.
In team news, Dean Cummins and Tana Umaga are not in the Counties-Manukau lineup this week in the only two changes from Round 1. Out for Wellington is prop John Schwalger and flanker Mark Reddish.
TEAMS:
Wellington: 1. Red Goodes, 2. Dane Coles, 3. Neemia Tialata (captain), 4. Jeremy Thrush, 5. Daniel Ramsay, 6. Api Naikatini, 7. Scott Fuglistaller, 8. Faifili Levave, 9. Ruki Tipuna, 10. Fa’atonu Fili, 11. Hosea Gear, 12. Sean Treeby, 13. Alipate Leiua, 14. Julian Savea, 15. Apoua Stewart.
Reserves: 16. Ged Robinson, 17. Justin Va’a, 18. TJ Ioane, 19. Masefau Leuluniu, 20. Jared Kahu, 21. Hayden Cripps, 22. Charlie Ngatai.
Counties-Manukau: 1. Simon Lemalu, 2. Grant Henson, 3. Jono Owen, 4. Taiasina Tuifua, 5. Jamie Chipman (captain), 6. Fritz Lee, 7. Pepa Kolomatangi, 8. Viliami Fihaki, 9. August Pulu, 10. Baden Kerr, 11. Sherwin Stowers, 12. Reynold Lee-Lo, 13. Siale Piutau, 14. Ahsee Tuala, 15. Tim Nanai-Williams.
Reserves: 16. Mark Price, 17. Jeremiah Fatialofa, 18. Ronald Raaymakers, 19. Mark Selwyn, 20. Samisoni Fisilau, 21. James Semple, 22. David Raikuna.
Game 14 Northland v North Harbour Prediction: Northland by 1-5 points
This is a Blues franchise derby. It should be another closely fought affair, with players keen to press their case for Super Rugby contracts in the newly expanded Super 15.
Luke McAlister will again look to be the inspiration for the Aucklander’s, his 65 metre penalty last week was Francois Steyn like.
Harbour come off a heavy loss against Auckland at home 14-36.
Northland will again rely on their accurate kicking game from hand and at goal. As well as the threat Rene Ranger gives them in the middle of the park.
Northland will be keen to produce their away form from last week in front of their home fans.
Northland has named the same 22 that started against Taranaki last week.
Harbour have four players returning from injury in James King, Anthony Boric Filo Paulo and Chris Smylie. Ben Afeaki however is a big loss in the front row.
TEAMS:
Northland: 1. Matt Wallis, 2. Mikaele Tuu’u, 3. Bronson Murray, 4. Pat O’Connor, 5. Mark Burman, 6. Dean Budd, 7. Dan Pryor, 8. Cameron Eyre, 9. Luke Hamilton, 10. David Holwell, 11. Lachie Munro, 12. Aaron Bancroft, 13. Rene Ranger, 14. Simon Munro, 15. Jared Payne (captain).
Reserves: 16. Tim Dow, 17. Ross Wright, 18. Roy Griffin, 19. Cameron Goodhew, 20. Rhyan Caine, 21. Iwi Hauraki, 22. Bryce Heem.
North Harbour: 1. Michael Reid (captain), 2. James Parsons, 3. Ben Afeaki, 4. Matt Luamanu, 5. Shane Neville, 6. Tom Chamberlain, 7. Scott Uren, 8. Richard Mayhew, 9. Grayson Hart, 10. Michael Harris, 11. Alipate Fatafehi, 12. Luke McAlister, 13. Brendon Watt, 14. Ken Pisi, 15. Jack McPhee.
Reserves: 16. Mike Mayhew, 17. Taione Vea, 18. William Whetton, 19. Malakai Ravulo, 20. Nalu Tuigamala, 21. Ben Botica, 22. Jack Tarrant.
Tweet
Thanx HH
I do my picks a week in advance so that scores of last weekend and predictions do not influence it.. silly as it may seem!!
I will chat to you about the ITM pick of the weekend..
Got the same picks except some of my margins differ and the last game I went for North Habour 🙂
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 1) :
Interesting technique Punter….so what you are saying is that you don’t take form into considerstion when selecting your winners ! 😆
Will be in touch re ‘Punters Picks’ ! 😎
@Jarson (Comment 2) :
There could easily be some upsets along the way ie BOP, Otago, Waikato and Harbour could all potentially win !
Tried to get it out for you a bit earlier this week…..still little weekend team news about ! 😥
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 3) : I don’t base my picks on the last weekend performance but more on the form on a season overall.. I seem to be blinded by the last weekend form when I do my selections.. It’s just my way..
Looking forward to it.. Whats your take on the NZ’ers this coming weekend vs Aus.. Big win again, or are they looking to rest players?
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 5) :
No it’s a full strength side ! They will look to hammer them again. Can’t see the Aussies picking themselves up off the canvas very well. AB’s to win and win well …but not alot of value in that !
Not sure where to go really thinking of taking on the handicap if it is less that 14 !
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 6) : The handicap generally gets the odds back to even money.. and I’m willing to put my money on a handicap of up to 20 points.. NZ are at home this time, I just can’t see a traveling Aussie side do better than they did at home, and taking into account that its the third Aus game in a row now..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 7) : 😉
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 4) : It might end like the 1st round did with only a few points seperating 1st and last. 😈
KSA should be happy to know that he no longer occupies the last spot. That honour now belongs to late joiner Perry 😆
@Jarson (Comment 9) :
Must be a mate of KSA ! 💡
@Jarson (Comment 9) : Looking forward to this weekend sports wise.. ITM cup going to be fun to see the results..
SuperBru has changed the way I look at sport!! 😎
@Jarson (Comment 9) : Do you do the Premier League on SB?
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 12) : @Richard Ferguson (Comment 11) : SB sure changes one’s perspective 😀
The EPL is to long, I’m allready bored with the F1 and NRL 😳
Am I still in 28th position?? 🙄
@wpw (Comment 14) : Yip 😉 30 members and 3rd from last. I’m 24th 😎
@Jarson (Comment 13) : Do you have a pool for the NRL? I am in a weird pool in which I dont know anybody..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 16) : No. I’m in Astalavista and 2 public pools.
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 12) : try was said it was to long but i got a couple of pools join some of them and then you won’t be alone this SB goes on for like 9 months shit that is to longggggggg
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 3) : you must come up earlier in the week with this great news of the ITM cup did mine pic early in the week didn’t think you would do a round 2 too so i hope i’ll do well 😳
But thanks
Round 1 Win Percentage 4/7 57%
SHOCKINGLY POOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Almost as bad as me. 😛
OMW!!!!!!! HH and i have picked the same team and by the same margin.
I’ve either finally got it right or he’s really C$%ked up this time. 😛
My Live game for the weekend is Taranaki v Tasman on Friday morning at 10:30 my time (9:30 SA)
@KSA Shark © (Comment 21) :
Most likely the latter ! 😆
My live game is the Ranfurly Shield Challenge My lads v Southland
….can’t wait Saturday morning….the upset of the Round ! NOT 😳
I’d love to get a grand slam point in this comp as well!!
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 24) :
It’s never going to happen Punter not this weekend or any of the remaining 11 !
Still haven’t decided the bet of the Round….fancy sticking with BOP again will again start with a margin !
@HH
I battle to get a gsp in the currie cup with 4 games.. Not likely that I’m going to get one either.. But its something to aim for!!
My tri nations bet is decided, but I’m not sure where to go in the currie cup..
And there is no real other sport to comment about..
I’m going to start writing tomorrow and post it on friday..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 26) :
Will mail you now !
@HH
Thanx HH
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 24) :
i’d just be happy to get ONE pick right. 😳
@KSA Shark © (Comment 29) : I’m aiming for 4 plus margins 😛
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 24) : I got 1 in the NRL, 11 points for the round, how cool is that 😀 Its just sad that I’m averaging on about 3.5 points on all the others 🙁
I’m in the top 10 commentors 😎
@ Jarson
I’m actually doing quite well in the NRL, I’m lying second in my pool, and iv picked up about 3 yellow caps so far.
Congrats on being in the top 10 commentors.. That’s my next goal.. Top 10 and then 5 stars..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 33) :
Thats cool, Ive had 2 yellows but my best pool is 6th out of 21 😳
This Rounds Matches have just kicked off ! 😎
Manawatu on course for the first upset of the round leading Canterbury 19-8 at halftime ! 😯
Make that ……… 24-8 😯
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 35) : Go Saders! I mean Canterbury 😳
@Jarson (Comment 38) :
Looks game over…. can’t imagine anyone picked Manawatu, so no GSP this week for anyone….so bunched field looms. 😕
Manawatu 24-15….here they come !
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 40) : Not one Manawatu pick in our league.. 😮
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 41) :
Does anyone know what they are doing ? 😛
Would you believe it Canterbury hit the front 27-26 😯
And i think it’s over ! 😆
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 44) : What a turnaround!!
Let them win by 9 please.. or close to that.. I need Margins this weekend..
Manawatu 26 – 27 Canterbury
Shoe!! That was close
I dont think Canterbury is having a good start this season. 2 very close games thus far.
@ Jarson
Aren’t they slow starters every season?
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 49) : I dont know 😳 😆 I hope so.
@Jarson (Comment 50) : @Richard Ferguson (Comment 49) :
Their A Team plays Australia on Saturday ! 😆
@HH
Good point.. But will their first team come back to join them at some point during the comp?
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 52) :
…think so most of them dribble back at semi final time….
…..so that will be Franks, Flynn, Thorn, Whitelock, McCaw & Read in the forwards.
…..and Carter, in the backs add to that Ellis and Freaun (returning from injury) plus a certain Sonny Bill Williams….and you have a team !
@Jarson (Comment 47) :
YEEHAAAA I am no longer last on SB. 😎
am SECOND LAST now. 😳
@KSA Shark © (Comment 54) :
And even though most of you won’t believe this. WPW is NOT the guy behind me. 😉
Just saw this.
With an unbelievable ITM Cup upset on the cards, Manawatu threw away a commanding 18-point lead to hand Canterbury their first win of the season.
😯 😯 😯 😯 😯
This musta been a good game.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 56) :
I tell you what that Manawatu backline is ‘Sensational’.
They might just beat Northland next weekend could be your big punt to get you up to mid field….no one is going to pick that !
@KSA Shark © (Comment 56) :
Manawatu had a man binned and they bought on Andy Ellis and Robbie Freaun and the tide turned …just in time.
@ HH
Thanx for the tip.. Will see how Southland do over the weekend..
I saw that Sonny Bill is playing a club game this weekend..
Does that mean he might run out for Canterbury soon?
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 58) :
I’m just glad the tide turned, i would have been devastated with another loss. 😆
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 60) :
He has set himself a target of making the AB squad before the end os season tour. 😯
I wonder if there are odds out to bet on that?!
I bet he will be thrown in there on the Northern Hemisphere tour..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 63) :
I am surprised he hasn’t gone straight into an ITM cup team.
I thought he played last weekend..
My bad!!
@KSA Shark © (Comment 62) : @Richard Ferguson (Comment 63) :
SBW …has had some minor surgery that is why he is playinga club game and not for canterbury. I would imgine he may start on the bench next week.
He is going to be a big hit.
He will definitely make the end of yeat tour IMO 😎
New Zealand’s answer to Gavin Henson and Jonny Wilkinson (in terms of column inches) 😆 😆 is taking his first steps in NZ rugby this weekend.
Sonny Bill Williams, he of the high-profile defection from rugby league to rugby union on the French Riviera and then departure from there back home to try for an All Black World Cup squad spot next year, will play a club game for Belfast against Lincoln University on Saturday, his first match in New Zealand 14 months out from the start of RWC 2011.
Watching will be All Black Assistant Coach Wayne Smith, himself a former Belfast player, five hours before the All Blacks kick off against Australia at AMI Stadium.
It seems odd that Smith should be leaving it so tight on matchday, but he insisted it would have been the case regardless of Sonny Bill playing or not.
The guys are certainly keeping an eye on him.
I read that article earlier today.. Its amazing how much of a stir this guy is causing..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 68) :
Wait till you see him truck it up from inside centre, with Carter inside hime and Freaun outside him !
….can’t wait ?
….he is absolutely huge about 110 kgs.
….however he will need time to settle and get with the pace of the game.
….but then again when playing professional football is all you have ever done…how hard can it be ! 😀
I’m looking forward to it..
I love a new young talent, it makes the gane exciting!!
I hope he is fantastic!!
Hi can anybody tell me when will we get the leopards team please 😳
@chaz (Comment 71) : 😕
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 70) : 😉
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 72) : ok sorry was just asking nt feeling good to night had to do my FL and its done LMS me dead so of to c how i did in the ITM cup
cheers till 2 morrow
Another thing well done to ur team in the TN they are good SB got alot of work to do if they want to take the WC 2011
😉
@chaz (Comment 74) : 😉
Only 2 picks for BOP in our pool. Why do I have this feeling that 28 will be wrong again 😈
And only 3 picks for Tasman 😆
And for the NRL I picked the Titans and Broncos to win today 😛
@Jarson (Comment 76) :
I watched BOP last week and they were really good, probably could have beaten Waikato away from home when Waikato went down to 14 men.
….and Tasman well they shouldn’t win but the jury is out on how good Taranakiare. They will be under huge pressure after losing to Northland in Round 1
….you almost need to correctly predict the upset to make huge strides up the leaderboard. I think 4 points will cover first to last …tight. ! 😎
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 79) : GSPs will be tough to get it seems. But it stays fun though 🙂
@Jarson (Comment 77) :
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 79) :
I reckon Tasman are the upset team this weekend.. lets see if I can jump up a few positions..
Go Tasman!!
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 81) : Good luck with that 😉
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 81) :
So far YOU’RE the one who is going to be upset.
36min
Taranaki 21 – 6 Tasman
@KSA Shark © (Comment 83) : Oh well.. It was worth a shot..
You have to follow your gut at times.. my gut must have been upset or something.. lol
@KSA Shark © (Comment 83) :
HALF TIME
Taranaki 21 – 6 Tasman
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 84) : Hehehehehhe
@KSA Shark © (Comment 86) : I suppose half the pool will now go past me on the leaderboard.. joy 👿
I only have taranaki by 2 so unless they experience a shock comeback from tasman, my margin point is out the window.
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 87) :
if we JUST take the win point into consideration then you will drop to 23.
At least you won’t be suffering the humiliation of being passed by me. 😛
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 84) : @KSA Shark © (Comment 83) :
Welcome to the bottom.
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 87) :
Watch me make my beeeg move this week.
And no it has nothing to do with my beeeg frame!! 👿
@Jarson (Comment 90) :
If you don’t get a MP then you will be in 24th behind Rich. 😆
@wpw (Comment 91) :
From the couch to the kitchen isn’t a big move. 😆
@KSA Shark © (Comment 93) :
And with that I gotta go to lunch. 😳
@KSA Shark © (Comment 93) : I think he was refering to ‘stretching for the tv remote’ 😉
David Smith try!
conversion missed
Taranaki 26 – 6 Tasman
46min
bye
@Jarson (Comment 95) :
It was nice while it lasted..
Good bye top 10.. you shall be missed 😥
@KSA Shark © (Comment 93) :
GGGRRRRRRR 😈 😆
Bay of Plenty beat Hawke’s Bay by 19 points ?!?!
There goes my ITM weekend..
I had the wrong upset.. damn you gut feeling..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 100) : Eish! 🙁
HB 11 – 30 BoP
19 point margin
Taranaki won, what the final score was, I dont know yet.
@Jarson (Comment 103) :
taranaki 33 – 11 Tasman
@KSA Shark © (Comment 104) : Unless we get some margin and bonus points, we are not going to see the top 10 soon 😈
From 6th to 21st in 3 games..
And its so much more dificult to go up than down..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 106) : I started the round at 24th and after 3 games I’m still 24th 😈 Welcome Punter
Yeah.. I changed my name, too many Rich’s around, thought I may have to go under an alias because of my poor run lately..
@Jarson (Comment 107) : So what you saying is that Im still beating you.. 😆
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 109) : I guess u are 😳
Both my NRL picks of today were correct, I even managed a margin point 😎
@Jarson (Comment 111) :
Don’t change the subject ….tell us about your ITM picks
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 112) :
@ HH
I knew there was going to be an upset, I just had it the wrong way around, and ook a nice tumble down the standings..
Now its time to put my game face on!! Lol
Fulltime
Auckland 18 – 21 Waikato
Only 2 in our pool got this 1 right 😈
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 112) : So far I’ve managed 2/4 for this round… Exactly the same as you
Fulltime
Southland 16 – 12 Otago
Fulltime
Wellington 25 – 31 Counties Man
😯
This is turning into an abortion
Fulltime
Northland 24 – 25 North Harbour
😀
Too many upsets in this round, but I got this one right 😛
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 119) : How’s your NRL? I’ve got 5 from 5 thus far 😀
Oh my word.. Can this weekend go any worse!?
I’m 4 from 5 in the NRL..
I need to get some more points from the game today so I can stay sefomd in my pool..
SB is slow to update the results 😈
Now I’m 4 from 6.. Damn Bulldogs..
@Jarson (Comment 121) : Make that 6 from 6 with 2 margin points 🙂
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 125) : I hope you’re not betting money on these games 😉
@Jarson (Comment 126) : 6 from 7 with 1 game to go 🙁 no gsp this round
😯 😯 😯 😯 😯
I think that sums it up !
Unbe-fucking-lievable
That sums it up!!
I’ve moved up to 19th in the ITM 😎 That’s 2 spots better than HH 😆
@Jarson (Comment 131) :
Sooooooooooo? I’m also two spots better than someone.
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The guy in last place. 😛
Do I laugh or cry?
@KSA Shark © (Comment 132) :
2 from 7. 😕
Shit this going from good to bad and we can’t even c the games got 3 / 7 this week-end 🙁
HH can yu please give us the ITM cup post before thursday please u are the only one with the eyes we are blind my friend 😳
Thanks so far
@chaz (Comment 134) :
Chazzy my article is up from mid morning Wednesday.
Although going from this weekends results it will not do you a lot of good think i got 3/7 one less than last week then again i think most are struggling. Competition wide open ! 😕
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 135) : thanks but its always good tom hera ur side 😳 😉
Can’t believe a certain wpw is 4 places ahead of me ! 😳
I’m currently in 21st position ! 😳
@KSA Shark © (Comment 132) :
Cry ! 😆
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 138) :
My wrists have been slit, I should be dead by round 6 or so. 😆
@KSA Shark © (Comment 139) :
Week 3 Fixtures could finish you off !
Tasman v Hawke’s Bay
Canterbury v North Harbour
Bay of Plenty v Auckland
Southland v Counties Manukau (RS)
Otago v Wellington
Northland v Manawatu
Waikato v Taranaki
I’m struggling to pick one dead cert. ! 😯
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 140) :
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 140) :
Looks a nightmare especially when you are writing a weekly article giving your predictions ! 😯
3/7 this week ….looks like i could easily go the same way next week ! 🙄
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 142) :
With the prediction skills that i posses i may just stumble onto a GSP this weekend. 😆
@KSA Shark © (Comment 143) :
At this stage i think there could be upsets to :
…… Otago, BOP, & Mananwatu
but you could easily throw in Tasman, Counties Manukau & Taranaki
…..a GSP looks near on impossible any week !
….it’s going to make for an exciting competition and SB comp.
Good luck HH!!
You must be taking some strain, under pressure to perform a bit?! Hehe..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 145) :
Pressure is building !
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 137) : one me 1 place ahead of u 😳
@chaz (Comment 147) :
I’m looking to make my move this week to the top half of the table! 😉
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 148) : well i think i’m going to try and make it with ur and my predictions do a bit of study i call it good luck
Go Wtru!
@MysticShark (Comment 150) :
Is that you ? 😕