Last week we talked about the ‘dust settling’ after a hectic Round 1, which was littered with unpredictable results. This week we find ourselves sifting through the wreckage left from a set of Round 2 results that will take some time to decipher.
Everyone enjoys the underdog coming up trumps. However in Round 2 there were no less than four upsets. With four so nearly being six, if it hadn’t been for spirited come from behind second half efforts from Canterbury and Southland.
Counties-Manukau, Bay of Plenty and North Harbour were most likely the sides smiling the most come Sunday evening.
The pick of this week’s Round 3 clashes include another mouth-watering Ranfurly Shield clash, between the table’s two top sides, Southland and Counties Manukau. Last week’s unsuccessful Ranfurly Shield challenges Otago play host to another ‘Super Rugby’ home base franchise in Wellington and Bay of Plenty and Auckland do battle for ‘Top Four’ table status.
Round 2 Analysis
Game 8 Manawatu (26) v Canterbury (27) Prediction: Canterbury by 15-20 pts.
Game 9 Hawke’s Bay (11) v Bay of Plenty (30) Prediction: Hawke’s Bay by 1-5 pts.
Game 10 Taranaki (33) v Tasman (11) Prediction: Taranaki by 10-15 pts.
Game 11 Auckland (18) v Waikato (21) Prediction: Auckland by 5-10 pts.
Game 12 Southland (16) v Otago (12) Prediction: Southland by 10-15 pts.
Game 13 Wellington (25) v Counties-Manukau (31) Prediction: Wellington by 15-20 pts.
Game 14 Northland (24) v North Harbour (25) Prediction: Northland by 1-5 pts.
Round 2 Win Percentage 3/7 43% Season Win Percentage 7/14 50%
Leading Point Scorer(s) after Round 2
22 – Lachie Munro (Northland)
20 – Willie Ripia (Taranaki)
20 – Colin Slade (Canterbury)
20- Glen Dickson (Otago)
20 – Ahsee Tuala (Counties-Manukau)
16 – Trent Renata (Waikato)
16 – Matt Berquist (Auckland)
16 – Baden Kerr (Counties-Manukau)
15- Andrew Horrell (Hawke’s Bay)
14 – James Wilson (Southland)
Leading Try Scorer(s) after Round 2
4 – Ashlee Tuala (Counties)
2 – Robbie Fruean (Canterbury)
2 – Sean Maitland (Canterbury)
2 – Jamie Mackintosh (Southland)
2 – Lote Raikabula (Manawatu)
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).
The big movers this week are Canterbury who moved from 8th into the ‘Top Four’. Going in the other direction were Wellington who crash out of the ‘Top Four’ to 9th, and Hawke’s Bay who slipped from 7th to 12th on the table.
Top Four – Semi Finalists
1. Counties-Manukau (9)
2. Southland (9)
3. Waikato (8)
4. Canterbury (7)
Destined for First Division Status – Playing with the ‘Big Boys’ in 2011
5. Auckland (6)
6. Bay of Plenty (6)
7. Taranaki (6)
Second Division Bound 2011
8. Northland (5)
9. Wellington (5)
10. North Harbour (4)
11. Manawatu (2)
12. Hawke’s Bay (2)
13. Otago (1)
14. Tasman (0)
Round 3 Match Previews
I will do my best to update the team lists as they become available. This week I have included the teams form, which hopefully will give us more of an insight into correctly predicting the match outcomes.
Game 15 Tasman v Hawke’s Bay Prediction: Hawke’s Bay by 5-10 points
Tasman will enjoy being home after two games on the road, against Top 7 opposition.
Hawke’s Bay will however be hurting after getting steam rolled last weekend and will provide another formidable challenge for the cellar dwellers.
Tasman has named Glen Gregory and Afeleki Pelenise in the starting line-up, with both over coming injuries during the week.
Hawke’s Bay get loose head prop Anthony Perenise and and fly half Daniel Kirkpatrick back from injury for their trip to Blenheim. The Bay will also be boosted by the injection of their star All Black fullback, Israel Dagg who has been released from the All Black camp to get some valuable game time before his trip to South Africa.
Tasman ITM Cup Form:
Round 1: (A) Lost 11-20 v Wellington
Round 2 : (A) Lost 11-33 v Taranaki
Hawke’s Bay ITM Cup Form:
Round 1: (A) Drew 23-23 v Canterbury
Round 2 : (H) Lost 11-30 v Bay of Plenty
TEAMS:
Tasman: 1. Sam Prattley, 2. Francis Smith, 3. Fai Mika, 4. Jarrod Aberhart, 5. Chris Jack (captain), 6. Glen Gregory, 7. Jonathan Poff, 8. Poutasi Luafutu, 9. Steve Alfeld, 10. James Marshall, 11. Afeleki Pelenise, 12. Tom Marshall, 13. Kade Poki, 14. Blair Cook, 15. Robbie Malneek.
Reserves: 16. Vernon Fredericks, 17. Hamish Cochrane, 18. Anthony Elisala, 19. Shane Christie, 20. Kaide Whiting, 21. Sione Holani, 22. James Kamana.
Hawke’s Bay: 1. Anthony Perenise, 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. Daniel Kirkpatrick, 11. Zac Guildford, 12. Jason Shoemark (captain), 13. Star Timu, 14. Richard Buckman, 15. Israel Dagg.
Reserves: 16. Eugene Smith, 17. Kas Lealamanua, 18. Leighton Price, 19. Grant Webb, 20. Chris Eaton, 21. Andrew Horrell, 22. Sinoti Sinoti.
Game 16 Canterbury v North Harbour Prediction: Canterbury by 10-15 points
All the talk in the ‘Garden City’ is about a certain Sonny Bill Williams. The most talked about player in world rugby looked set to make his long awaited first class rugby debut on New Zealand soil– with the big question on everyone’s lips being ! How good is he ? But alas the SBW saga is set to tantalise the public for yet another week as a tight hamstring ruled him out of contention.
The Canterbury team will however be pleased to be home after a heart stopping 26-27 victory last week against the Turbo’s. They also welcome back some All Black reinforcements before they depart to the Republic.
Canterbury will have the services of Test Match duo Corey Flynn and Sam Whitelock back from the All Black squad prior to their departure to South Aftrica. They are also reinforced by the return of scrum half Takerei Norton, number 8 Nasi Manu, and wing Patrick Osborne following various injuries.
Harbour will be full of confidence after Craig Dowd and Jeff Wilson’s side produced a ‘never say die’ second half to snatch a win against Northland.
Harbour welcome back strongman Ben Afeaki who missed the victory last weekend. James King and Matt Luamanu have both returned to the 22 after being injured against Northland.
Canterbury ITM Cup Form:
Round 1: (H) Drew 23-23 v Hawke’s Bay
Round 2 : (A) Won 26-25 v Manawatu
North Harbour ITM Cup Form:
Round 1: (H) Lost 14-36 v Auckland
Round 2 : (A) Won 25-24 v Northland
TEAMS:
Canterbury: 1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Corey Flynn, 3. Peter Borlase, 4. Sam Whitelock, 5. Isaac Ross, 6. Matt Todd, 7. George Whitelock (captain), 8. Ash Parker, 9. Takerei Norton, 10. Colin Slade, 11. Sam Monaghan, 12. Stephen Brett, 13. Robbie Fruean, 14. Telusa Veainu, 15. Sean Maitland.
Reserves: 16. Paul Ngauamo, 17. Andrew Olorenshaw, 18. Luke Romano, 19. Nasi Manu, 20. Andy Ellis, 21. Robbie Flynn, 22. Patrick Osborne.
North Harbour: 1. Michael Reid (captain), 2. James Parsons, 3. Ben Afeaki, 4. Filo Paulo, 5. Anthony Boric, 6. Matt Luamanu, 7. Tom Chamberlain, 8. Richard Mayhew, 9. Chris Smylie, 10. Michael Harris, 11. Alipate Fatafehi, 12. Luke McAlister, 13. Jack Tarrant, 14. Josh York, 15. Jack McPhee.
Reserves: 16. Mike Mayhew, 17. Taione Vea, 18. James King, 19. Malakai Ravulo, 20. Nalu Tuigamala, 21. Ben Botica, 22. Brendon Watt.
Game 17 Bay of Plenty v Auckland Prediction: Auckland by 1-5 points
The smart money will be on the classy Auckland outfit, who will be keen to atone for its loss at home last weekend.
Bay of Plenty on the other hand is one of the form teams going into Round 3 and will fancy their chances of causing an upset in front of their home fans.
For the Bay, Jason Hona is the only player ruled out after last weeks win. They have however promoted Luke Braid, Phil Burleigh and All Black winger Lelia Masaga to the starting XV.
Auckland have made one change due to injury, with Dave Thomas replacing Chay Raui on the wing.
Bay of Plenty ITM Cup Form:
Round 1: (A) Lost 10-13 v Waikato
Round 2 : (A) Won 30-11 v Hawke’s Bay
Auckland ITM Cup Form:
Round 1: (A) Won 36-14 v North Harbour
Round 2 : (H) Lost 18-21 v Waikato
TEAMS:
Bay of Plenty: 1. Josh Hohneck, 2. John Pareanga, 3. James McGougan, 4. Luke Andrews, 5. Culum Retallick, 6. Luke Braid, 7. Tanerau Latimer, 8. Colin Bourke (captain), 9. Taniela Moa, 10. Phil Burleigh, 11. Lance MacDonald, 12. Grant McQuoid, 13. Brett Mather, 14. Lelia Masaga, 15. Toby Arnold.
Reserves: 16. Simon Chisholm, 17. Joe Savage or Tristan Moran, 18. Aidan Kuka, 19. Sam Cane or Solomon King, 20. Chad Tuoro, 21. Daniel Waenga, 22. Ben W Smith.
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. Dave Thomas, 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. Charles Piutau.
Game 18 Southland v Counties-Manukau Prediction: Southland by 5-10 points
Southland would have been keen to see the back of their southern neighbours last weekend, in what was a torrid old fashion Ranfurly Shield encounter. The Southlander’s were the better side and played an expansive composed brand of rugby, they will hope it will be enough to overcome a confident Steelers’ team, that will be further bolstered by the return of Tana Umaga.
The Steelers’ boast the competitions leading try scorer in Ashlee Tuala and will be right up for a tilt at the shield before the big sides arrive in Invercargill. Impressive wins against Otago and Wellington will mean Milton Haig’s team cannot be under estimated.
Southland replace Ex American Footballer, Joe Tuineau at lock with Alex Ryan. Kane Thompson gets a start at No 8 ahead of the impressive Elliot Dixon, while Highlanders winger James Paterson has been named on the wing in place of Mark Wells.
The Steelers rotate Tana Umaga back for this match. No one, not even the veteran Umaga have tasted Shield Success.
Southland ITM Cup Form:
Round 1: (A) Won 37-23 v Manawatu
Round 2 : (H) Won 16-12 v Otago
Counties-Manukau ITM Cup Form:
Round 1: (H) Won 29-13 v Otago
Round 2 : (A) Won v 31-25 Wellington
TEAMS:
Southland: 1. Jamie Mackintosh (captain), 2. Jason Rutledge, 3. Chris King, 4. Josh Bekhuis, 5. Alex Ryan, 6. John Hardie, 7. Tim Boys, 8. Kane Thompson, 9. Scott Cowan, 10. James Wilson, 11. James Paterson, 12. Matt Saunders, 13. Kendrick Lynn, 14. Glen Horton, 15. Robbie Robinson.
Reserves: 16. Bayden Mitchell, 17. Nic Barrett, 18. Dion Bates, 19. Elliot Dixon, 20. Sonny Rangitohereri, 21. Mark Wells, 22. Tony Koonwaiyou.
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. Tana Umaga, 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. Reynold Lee-Lo, 22. David Raikuna.
Game 19 Otago v Wellington Prediction: Otago by 1-5 points
Otago will be heartened by their much improved outing last week against Southland where the forwards excelled themselves. Unfortunately this week they will be missing their ‘granite like’ South African loose forward Eben Joubert who dislocated his shoulder against Southland and may not feature for some time.
Wellington will be down on confidence and under pressure to deliver at Carisbrook, after losing at home to Counties- Manukau last Sunday.
Otago make just the one enforced change, with South African Eben Joubert (shoulder damage, four to six weeks) ruled out. Peter Grant moves into the starting XV.
For Wellington, John Schwalger comes back into an otherwise unchanged pack for Wellington. Wellington is also fortunate to have the services of released All Black scrum half Alby Mathewson and Charlie Ngatai ahead of Ruki Tipuna and Alipate Leiua respectively.
Otago ITM Cup Form :
Round 1: (A) Lost 13-29 v Counties-Manukau
Round 2 : (A) Lost 12-16 v Southland
Wellington ITM Cup Form :
Round 1: (H) Won 20-11 v Tasman
Round 2 : (H) Lost 25-31 v Counties-Manukau
TEAMS:
Otago: 1. Kees Meeuws, 2. Peter Mirrielees, 3. Sam Hibbard, 4. Hoani Matenga, 5. Hayden Triggs, 6. Peter Grant, 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. Brad Cameron, 20. Johnny Legg, 21. Andrew Parata, 22. Joe Hill.
Wellington: 1. John Schwalger, 2. Dane Coles, 3. Neemia Tialata (captain), 4. Jeremy Thrush, 5. Daniel Ramsay, 6. Mark Reddish, 7. Scott Fuglistaller, 8. Faifili Levave, 9. Alby Mathewson, 10. Fa’atonu Fili, 11. Hosea Gear, 12. Sean Treeby, 13. Charlie Ngatai, 14. Julian Savea, 15. Apoua Stewart.
Reserves: 16. Ged Robinson, 17. Jacob Ellison, 18. Api Naikatini, 19. TJ Ioane, 20. Ruki Tipuna, 21. Hayden Cripps, 22. Alipate Leiua.
Game 20 Northland v Manawatu Prediction: Northland by 1-5 points
Manawatu were desperately unlucky not to beat the defending champions Canterbury last week, eventually succumbing 26-27 at home.
On paper Manawatu’s backs look as good as any in the competition and their New Zealand Sevens exponents, Lote Raikabula and Tomasi Cama are proving a real threat to oppositions defences, with them netting three tries between them last weekend.
Northland just let their concentration slip, as well as a sizable second half lead against Harbour last week.
Northland lose Rene Ranger to All Black duty ahead of the pending trip to South Africa. This has meant the Northland backline has been reshuffled.
Manawatu continue to be hit by injury. Jamie Oliver’s (not the Naked Chef) elbow dislocation last weekend means he will miss this weekend. Other than that coach Dave Rennie has done little more than tinker with his substitutes.
Northland ITM Cup Form:
Round 1: (A) Won 26-19 v Taranaki
Round 2 : (H) Lost 24-25 v North Harbour
Manawatu ITM Cup Form:
Round 1: (H) Lost 23-37 v Southland
Round 2 : (H) Lost 26-27 v Canterbury
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. Bryce Heem, 12. Aaron Bancroft, 13. Jared Payne (captain), 14. Simon Munro, 15. Lachie Munro.
Reserves: 16. Tim Dow, 17. Ross Wright, 18. Roy Griffin, 19. Cameron Goodhew, 20. Rhyan Caine, 21. Iwi Hauraki, 22. Adam Clarke.
Manawatu: 1. Grant Polson (captain), 2. Rob Foreman, 3. Ma’afu Fia, 4. Michael Fitzgerald, 5. Reece Robinson, 6. Nick Crosswell, 7. Doug Tietjens, 8. Hamish Gosling, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Tomasi Cama, 11. Lote Raikabula, 12. Hadleigh Parkes, 13. Shannon Paku, 14. Casey Stone, 15. Craig Clare.
Reserves: 16. Sean O’Connor, 17. Shane Kingsland, 18. Fraser Stone, 19. Mitchell Crosswell or Bertus Mulder, 20. Karl Bryson, 21. Isaac Thompson, 22. Asaeli Tikoirotuma.
Game 21 Waikato v Taranaki Prediction: Waikato by 5-10 points
Waikato return home, after the roving Dwayne Sweeney snatched victory on the hooter last weekend at Eden Park.
Taranaki stormed back to form last weekend against Tasman after a disappointing Round 1. This is a farming derby, that will be hard fought and close.
Waikato’s Liam Messam is not travelling with the All Blacks so will be back in a powerful pack for this weekend. Changes up front include the rotation of Alex Bradley and Vern Kamo into the starting pack with Aled de Malmanche bracketed in the reserves.
Taranaki is the most settled side in the ITM Cup, naming an unchanged side for the third straight week.
Waikato ITM Cup Form:
Round 1: (H) Won 13-10 v Bay of Plenty
Round 2 : (A) Won 21-18 v Auckland
Taranaki ITM Cup Form:
Round 1: (H) Lost 19-26 v Northland
Round 2 : (H) Won 33-11 v Tasman
TEAMS:
Waikato: 1. Toby Smith, 2. Vern Kamo, 3. Nathan White (captain), 4. Romana Graham, 5. Toby Lynn, 6. Liam Messam, 7. Jack Lam, 8. Alex Bradley, 9. Brendon Leonard, 10. Trent Renata, 11. Dwayne Sweeney, 12. Christian Leali’ifano, 13. Save Tokula, 14. Henry Speight, 15. Sosene Anesi.
Reserves: 16. Aled de Malmanche or Andre Ellison, 17. Hikairo Forbes, 18. Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 19. Matt Vant Leven, 20. Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 21. Tim Mikkelson, 22. Sam Christie.
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, 11. David Smith, 12. Jayden Hayward, 13. George Pisi, 14. Andre Taylor, 15. Kurt Baker.
Reserves: 16. Timo Tutavaha, 17. Carl Carmichael, 18. Samuela Vunisa, 19. Scott Waldrom, 20. Brett Goodin, 21. Isaia Tuifua, 22. Beauden Barrett.
Tweet
I’ve only got 5 of the same teams to win as you HH..
Here we go again!!
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 1) :
I know i’ve got another bad feeling about this round.
You would have gone Wellington over Otago (thats my upset)
….but what is the other difference ? 😕
You must have done something random ! 😉
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 2) : I’m sticking to my Tasman guns..
They will win a game somewhere.. I hope.. 😕
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 3) :
You have got to get off that Chris Jack bandwagon ….they are only going to let you down ..time …and again ! 😆
i am just going to get a set of dice and roll them.
“Evens” = Home team
“Odds = visitors.
I may have more succes than I currently do. 😛
Got my picks sorted! Watch me move from 17th to the top 10 this week!! 😈 😎
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 4) : I’m telling you, they will upset someone somewhere.. But hey, you are the expert.. lol
I’ve promised to select at least one upset a weekend, and thats the only place I can see it happen..
@KSA Shark © (Comment 5) : I like your thinking..
That might actually work.. Im going to try that for the NRL this weekend..
Got 4 the same and 3 different 😛 I trust myself more than I do you, HH. I’m 2 spots above u 😉
@Jarson (Comment 9) : Do share your knowledge with us…
Sonny Bill seems a pretty decent prospect, has similar tattoos to me, but his arms are a bit smaller… sorry for him…
Did anyone see that prop do that superman tackle? He plays for Counties-Manukau and skips the team when Tana is on rotation… really funny, check out the bearded fella on http://www.rugbydump.com
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 2) :
Mate you getting the mails?
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 10) : It’s not knowledge, it’s more of an educated guess with a lot of luck 😈
@Morné (Comment 12) :
Yeah brilliant, thank you ……just hope i am doing justice to them
…. it’s a whole new world this media insight ! 😎
I’ve picked BoP, Manawatu and Wellington to win. If u do pick the above teams to win and they lose, I will take no responsibilty for your idiocy. If they do win, you may send your gifts of appreciation to the following address………. 😛
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 14) :
All cool man, your threads are very informative and very detailed – you are doing a great job imo!
Is there a site where we can get live updates ❓
Go Hawkes Bay ❗
Go Tasman.. cause that upset..
Hawke’s have a really good team hey?
Guildford and Dagg.. Wow..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 19) :
Don’t tell me you have just worked that out Punter !
Hawke’s Bay in a close one ! 😎
@Jarson (Comment 17) :
There must be surely ! Will have a look ! 😕
@HH
Isn’t Guildford and Dagg supposed to be with the NZ team?!
And yes, it only really dawned on me now..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 19) : Indeed, and Canterbury probably has the best pack of forwards 😎
@Jarson (Comment 23) :
This is not a bad side maybe would give WP a good game ?
1 Crockett
2 Flynn
3 O Franks
4 Thorn
5 Whitelock
6 Whitelock
7 McCaw
8 Read
9 Ellis
10 Carter
12 Sonny Bill Williams
13 Freaun
11 Osborne
14 Monaghan
15 Maitland
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 24) : I’m sure they can give anyone a good game, maybe even beat a few 😛
Tasman v Hawke’s Bay 7-7 ….not long to go (if anything)
Didn’t the game only kick off at 9:35?
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 26) : I dont like draws 👿
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 27) :
So how long do we have left ?
3 Time Zones getting the better of me ! 😕
So it should only be coming up to half time now.. Maybe just after half time..
Its been nearly an hour since scheduled kickoff..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 30) :
ok …..still 7-7 all, your still in the hunt for that upset !
….i’ll never hear the end of it if you pull it off ! 😆
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 31) : I won’t rub it in.. I promise.. 🙂
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 32) :
Punter news flash….. Tasman 21-7
…..i’m getting sick of this competition already ! Why can’t it be boring like the Currie Cup ! 😉
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 33) : I just hope they can hold on to the lead now.. Go Tasman!!
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 34) : Easy !
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 35) : I don’t want to sond greedy, but to make up lost ground, I would love a margin point, so maybe Hawke’s can score a late try for me.. 😎
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 33) : Eish! Not good 🙁
This is a great start for you Punter !
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 38) : It’ll probably be my only good pick for the weekend..
I can’t believe its Thursday already and I haven’t even looked at the weekend betting..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 39) :
Your not letting work get in the way are you ! 😎
It’s over (i think) Tasman 21-7 😯
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 40) : Work is a bit hectic at the moment.. It’s a shame really..
I will have to work on it tonight..
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 41) : Oh happy days!!
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 43) :
Well done great vision…first game at home and all that, this table is going to be a log jam after the weekend !
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 33) :
MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i have hawkes Bay by 13. 👿
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 44) : Why thank you..
I missed the Margin by a single point.. Suppose you can’t have your cake and eat it (cliche)
@KSA Shark © (Comment 45) : This is going to be a bad weekend, I can feel it 👿
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 46) : HUH?
you have a margin of 8 on SB 21-7 = 14. (I think)
So no margin or BP for you. 😈
@Jarson (Comment 47) :
Even the CC has good potential for results to go either way. 😛
@Jarson (Comment 47) :
Well i’ve never done better than 2 wins so it can’t get much worse than that.
So i’ve had practice at this. 😛
@KSA Shark © (Comment 48) : You are spot on Andre, I missed the 5 point each way rule by one point.. That’s what I meant..
So yeah.. one point only..
@KSA Shark © (Comment 50) : U can get 0 wins and I think that’s pretty bad 😆
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 51) :
Ohhhhhh I thought you got it wrong by one point. 😆 😳
Anyway lunch time is over back to work for me. 😳
@Jarson (Comment 52) :
not MUCH worse than I have been doing 😆
That’s 7 from 15 for me now !
Don’t let them say i don’t know what i am doing ! 😳
Down to 21st 🙁 😥
Down to 23rd 😳
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 55) : Try and get this average above 50% HH!!
17th.. nearing that top 10 spot very slowly..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 58) :
I think it will be touch and go all season….gee it’s hard to call though isn’t it !
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 60) : This comp will be won in the last weekend, I dont think anybody will really run away with it..
Having a look at the log now.. there are one or two at the top, but one or two bad results and we all catch up a bit..
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 60) : I don’t envy your job at all.. Good luck mate!!
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 62) :
Yeah thanks ….at least i only went Hawke’s bay by 1-5 points ! 😳
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 63) : Yeah, you did say it was going to be a close game..
Maybe you should say that for every game 😉
i think I have like 50% right here – perfect average – is it possible ? 😆
@rekinek (Go Klose!) (Comment 65) :
No….. you must be one either side of it 15 games played.
Right need to update the team lists….dedication !
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 66) : i meant 50% right in predictions so far. 🙄 and I am logging at the bottom – I am just plain average amongst the above average people. how depressing
Go Canters!!
One game Thursday, one game Friday 🙄 🙄
Canterbury 22 – 10 North harbour
Half Time.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 69) : Good stuff so far..
Keep it up Canterbury..
Hey HH.
News just in: Israel Dagg has signed for the Crusaders!!
No surprise there really!! 😉
You’ve been making that call since the S14. Well done!! 😈
NZ have such an awesome plan to try and get all the National team players playing together at Club/Provincial level..
Good call HH..
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 66) : the game Canterbury v NH
has it started yet and are u going to watch on tele give us some updates please if u can 😳
@KSA Shark © (Comment 69) : Where do u get your info from?
Canterbury 32 – 10 North harbour
67min
@Jarson (Comment 74) :
Live TV. They show one ITM game per week on our TV channels.
Canterbury 32 – 17 North harbour
70min
Rough night last night so i have been a little tender this morning and have only just gotten out of bed permanently today.
@KSA Shark © (Comment 77) : @KSA Shark © (Comment 76) : 😎
I have Canterbury by 6 😕
ALMOST an AWESOME try by North harbour.
TMO must have fallen asleep takes forever to rule it NOT being a try.
@Jarson (Comment 79) :
12 for me.
@Jarson (Comment 79) :
HH has 15 👿
York try for North harbour
Conversion to come
75min
Conversion missed
Canterbury 32 – 22 North Harbour
76min
Margin 10
Isaac Ross try close to the Poles
conversion to come
78min
Conversion Over
Canterbury 39 – 22 North Harbour
79:15
Margin 17
Stadium clock is 3min behind TV clock so not sute if we will polay to 83min or 80min
Canterburty threatening to score and rob me of only my 2nd Margin point of the season. 👿
Robbie fruean scores a try to get his 3rd for the evening and rob me on the Margin. 🙁
@KSA Shark © (Comment 86) : Was in for a margin and now I’m out of the margin 😈
Brett misses the conversion.
81:40 on the clock and the kick-off is allowed. ❓
Canterbury 44 – 22 North Harbour
82:30
FULL TIME
Canterbury 44 – 22 North Harbour
Margin 22
Superbru BP goes to
Wildebloubees Canterbury by 18
with
Whindy Canterbury by 17
being the only other player to get a margin point.
This sucks 🙁
@KSA Shark © (Comment 93) : Thanx for the updates KSA.. Much appreciated.
HH told me last night to climb into Canterbury on the Handicap.. so happy I took his advise!!
Thanx HH, I owe you!
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 95) :
Did you take a punt or only on SB?
@KSA Shark
Both.. I took a punt and couldn’t change my SB margin to more than the 6 I had it at..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 97) :
Cool.
Money in the pocket always is. 🙂
Afternoon all……. Just caught the Canterbury result.
I was so close to nailing it …. I had Canterbury by 15, Freaun looked like he robbed me in the last couple of minutes.
However pleased just to have the feeling of a winner ! 😎
@HH
Thanx for the heads up, I took the handicap at 15points..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 95) :
Result Punter…. well done !
…are their any other ITM Cup games available to punt on ?
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 100) :
Nice …… Just back from the Post Office ! 😉
@HH
I will check out any odds that have become available for the ITM..
Thanx for posting that ticket.. Appreciate it.. Will let you know when it hits our shores..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 103) :
Let me know when it arrives ! Happy Days ! 😎 😎 😎
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 103) :
Just thinking Auckland against BOP definitely worth a bet they may not even be favourites and the handicap i think will be less the 7….. Predicting them (Auckland)to win well against BOP tomorrow morning ! 💡
@HH
I will go see and report back.. I will take my winnings from this morning and re invest it..
@HH
Auckland -3.5 points is at 15/10.. Sounds like a good bet then..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 107) :
That is money for jam……. result climb into it….easy !
You will owe me two now ! 😉
All team lists complete for the weekend…..good luck folks ! 😎
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 108) : I have now climbed in and will definitely owe you some more!!
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 109) : HH can we please hv the post like on wednesday a bit late for thursday the teams start playing on thursday would like to c the input of yr preditions to make mine jsut 2 c what u would do you are theeyes for most of us
thanks 😳
@KSA Shark © (Comment 5) : can we please hv HH post published like on Wed and nt thursday please 🙄
5 from 5 so far in the ITM..
Come on, let’s get that GSP!!!
@chaz (Comment 112) :
Chaz i told you last week …. it is posted on Wednesday morning !
Sorry Otago just got hammered again ….and i picked them….and they are last in the table ! 😳
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 113) :
Who have you gone in the last two games ❓
@HH
I’ve got Northland and Waikato..
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 116) :
Well done you have it…… won’t be to many others either
Tasman the great call 😎
Did you get anything back off Auckland….or was it not enough ?
@HH
I took the 4.5 point handicap, just snuck in.. But good call nonetheless.. Well done and thank you!!
@Richard Ferguson (Comment 118) :
That was close conditions were shocking…..right i’m out with the family……Otago i’m not going to comment until i cool down.
….have a good day ….i joined your football pool…. later HH
@HH
Cheers mate, have a good day!
Chat later..
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 114) : i didn’t c the post wednesday morning went had a look couldn’t c it but no worrys got al least 3/5 and 2 games a MP 🙂 its sth
hope i do a bit better in 2 morrow games 😕 😉
but thank ur a * 😉
@Hertford Highlander (Comment 119) : i went with well and gt me a MP
6 from 7 for the weekend..
Waikato let me down in the last game of the weekend..
3 from 7 😯 25th after the round is not good 😥
@Jarson (Comment 124) : where am I?
28th out of 30.
3rd from bottom in this competition. 😳
3rd from top in the CC. 😎
@Jarson (Comment 124) :
you still scored a margin point more than me. 😛