Well not a great weekend of picks.
SA vs ABs
So SA won. They are adopting a fairly one dimensional approach to the game. I can't blame PDV for the tactics as world cup doesn't always go to the best team. History has shown it rewards those that can amass points.
SA certainly have the players for this approach, however, it will be a coin toss as to who wins when they play England who play the exact game.
Considering Graham Henry was trying some new combinations I thought the ABs played well. Numerous line breaks and tries only stopped by superb defence by Habana. On another day with a bit more luck they would have slotted in at least 3 tries. Every game has to have a modicum of luck...and I thought the ABs deserved some.
Wales vs Argies
I thought Wales would put the hurt on Argentina considering this is the first time Argies have played together this year.
28-13 to Wales did not demonstrate a clinical enough ability to score. If they meet again I'd put my money on Argentina.
Ireland vs France
22-26
Both were OK. I would have expected more from Ireland at home. The French did just enough. An intercept try by France stole them the game. Enough said
Scotland vs Italy
23-12 to Scots.
As expected but no real backline flair from Scots.
Japan vs USA
20-14 to Japs
I have only viewed 10 mins of the game so far. Hope to catch it next time it repeats on Universal.
From what I saw, it was the Japs with all the possession and all the answers.
The weather was abysmal with heavy rain, so I have no doubt this affected the Japs ability to run the ball as I had expected.
They also made many changes to the team that nearly beat Italy the week prior. New Zealand coach Kirwan has done a great job.
USA need a Kiwi or Aussie coach.
2 out of 4 not good for me this week.
The only good news is that I'm in the top 2% in Currie Cup and still top 4% in ITM.
Round 12 starts soon. I'll post my selections as soon as I see the teams.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Tri Nations and other internationals.....predictions
Preview: South Africa vs New Zealand
South Africa have opted to rotate their options as they look to return to winning ways against New Zealand in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
Coach Peter de Villiers has made five changes in the wake of his side's reverse to Australia last weekend - their third in-a-row this year. Morne Steyn is recalled at fly-half at the expense of Butch James while back-row forward Willem Alberts, hooker Bismarck du Plessis and loose-head prop Gurthro Steenkamp all come back into the side to replace Danie Rossouw, John Smit and Tendai Mtawarira respectively. In the other change, versatile back Pat Lambie will start at fullback in place of the injured Frans Steyn.
Mtawarira, Rossouw and James are joined on the bench by CJ Van der Linde and Ashley Johnson, who was added to the Boks' squad earlier this week with Juan Smith sidelined through injury. Jean Deysel and Gerhard Mostert drop out of the match 22. In Smit's absence, Victor Matfield will captain the side for a 16th time.
New Zealand head coach Graham Henry has also made a number of personnel changes from their last outing, a victory against Australia in Auckland on August 6. Skipper and openside flanker Richie McCaw is being rested, as is fly-half Dan Carter, with Adam Thomson and Colin Slade named in their place. Veteran hooker Keven Mealamu will captain the team for the second time in a Test, after he led the All Blacks against Scotland in late 2008.
Slade is set for his second run-on start in his fifth Test, Jimmy Cowan is back at halfback, while in the forwards Liam Messam is at No.8, Sam Whitelock returns to lock alongside Ali Williams and John Afoa returns from his eye socket injury at tight-head prop.
The starting 15 also feature the return of a number of other recently injured All Blacks to the Test side for the first time this season. New Zealand's most capped prop, Tony Woodcock, is set to make his 75th Test appearance after an injury-enforced absence while fit-again back Richard Kahui is at centre, pairing with Sonny Bill Williams in the midfield for the first time. Isaia Toeava is on the right wing and Israel Dagg is at fullback.
This is a hard game to pick. IF SBW, Dagg, Kahui and Toeava click AND pack can match the brute force odf Saffies then it s All Blacks to win by 5.
Thats one hell of a Bok pack and 2 more brutes at center.....not alot of finesse but they will do well.
Blacks by 5 on superbru as this also allows for a draw to get 1/2 point bonus.
South Africa: Pat Lambie, JP Pietersen, Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez; Gurthro Steenkamp, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield, Heinrich Brussow, Willem Alberts, Pierre Spies
Replacements: John Smit, Tendai Mtawarira, CJ Van der Linde, Danie Rossouw, Ashley Johnson, Francois Hougaard, Butch James
New Zealand: Israel Dagg; Isaia Toeava, Richard Kahui, Sonny Bill Williams, Hosea Gear; Colin Slade, Jimmy Cowan; Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu (captain), John Afoa, Sam Whitelock, Ali Williams, Jerome Kaino, Adam Thomson, Liam Messam
Replacements: Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Jarrad Hoeata, Victor Vito, Andy Ellis, Piri Weepu, Cory Jane.
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
Preview: Wales vs Argentina
Nice Welsh team strengthened by return of Byrne and Halfpenny.
Argies need the game.
If Wales can outscore England 3 tries to 1 with only 30% of the ball, think what they can do with 50%
Wales by 21
Teams:
Wales: 15 Lee Byrne, 14 Leigh Halfpenny, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 James Hook, 9 Tavis Knoyle, 8 Andy Powell, 7 Martyn Williams (captain), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Paul James.
Replacements: 16 Huw Bennett, 17 Ryan Bevington, 18 Jonathan Thomas, 19 Justin Tipuric, 20 Lloyd Williams, 21 Stephen Jones, 22 Aled Brew.
Argentina: 15 Martin Rodriguez, 14 Horacio Agulla, 13 Marcelo Bosch, 12 Santiago Fernandez, 11 Gonzalo Camacho, 10 Felipe Contepomi (captain), 9 Nicolas Vergallo, 8 Juan Manuel Leguizamon, 7 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, 6 Julio Alfredo Farias Cabello, 5 Patricio Albacete, 4 Manuel Carizza, 3 Juan Figallo, 2 Mario Ledesma, 1 Rodrigo Roncero.
Replacements: 16 Agustin Creevy, 17 Martin Scelzo, 18 Mariano Galarza, 19 Alejandro Campos, 20 Alfredo Lalanne, 21 Federico Sanches, 22 Juan Jose Imhoff.
Preview: Ireland vs France
BOD back for Ireland will make all the difference.
France looked like they had something in the first 20 mins last week then petered out.
It will be close but Ireland to win at home by 12
Ireland: 15 Felix Jones, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (captain), 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Tomas O'Leary, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Shane Jennings, 6 Sean O'Brien, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 Jerry Flannery, 17 Tom Court, 18 Mike McCarthy, 19 Stephen Ferris, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Ronan O'Gara, 22 Luke Fitzgerald.
France: 15 Cedric Heymans, 14 Maxime Medard, 13 Aurelien Rougerie, 12 Fabrice Estebanez, 11 Alexis Palisson, 10 David Skrela, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Julien Bonnaire, 7 Louis Picamoles, 6 Fulgence Ouedraogo, 5 Lionel Nallet (captain), 4 Pascal Pape, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 Dimitri Szarzewski, 1 Jean-Baptiste Poux.
Replacements: 16 Guilhem Guirado, 17 Fabien Barcella, 18 Julien Pierre, 19 Raphael Lakafia, 20 Dimitri Yachvili, 21 Francois Trinh-Duc, 22 Vincent Clerc.
Preview: Scotland vs Italy
Scotland have a good team out.
Italy looked rather one dimensional against Japan last week.
Scots should win well.
Scotland by
Teams:
Scotland: 15 Rory Lamont, 14 Max Evans, 13 Nick De Luca, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 Simon Danielli, 10 Dan Parks, 9 Mike Blair, 8 Richie Vernon, 7 John Barclay, 6 Kelly Brown, 5 Alastair Kellock, 4 Nathan Hines, 3 Moray Low, 2 Scott Lawson, 1 Alasdair Dickinson.
Replacements: 16 Dougie Hall, 17 Euan Murray, 18 Richie Gray, 19 Ross Rennie, 20 Chris Cusiter, 21 Ruaridh Jackson, 22 Nikki Walker.
Italy: 15 Andrea Masi, 14 Tommaso Benvenuti, 13 Gonzalo Canale, 12 Gonzalo Garcia, 11 Mirco Bergamasco, 10 Luciano Orquera, 9 Fabio Semenzato, 8 Sergio Parisse (captain), 7 Robert Barbieri, 6 Paul Derbyshire, 5 Cornelius van Zyl, 4 Carlo Antonio Del Fava, 3 Martin Castrogiovanni, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini, 1 Andrea Lo Cicero.
Replacements: 16 Tommaso D'Apice, 17 Lorenzo Cittadini, 18 Marco Bortolami, 19 Alessandro Zanni, 20 Pablo Canavosio, 21 Riccardo Bocchino, 22 Matteo Pratichetti.
Preview: Japan vs USA
USA have looked terrible thanks to the pedantic patterns of coach O'Sullivan.
They've lost Clever so they really have no chance.
Japan by 18.
Teams
Japan: 15 Taihei Ueda (Honda Heat), 14 Takehisa Usuzuki (Toshiba Brave Lupus), 13 Alisi Tupuailai (Canon Eagles), 12 Ryan Nicholas (Suntory Sungoliath), 11 Hirotoki Onozawa (Suntory Sungoliath), 10 Murray Williams (Toyota Industries Shuttles), 9 Tomoki Yoshida (Toshiba Brave Lupus), 8 Takashi Kikutani (Toyota Verblitz), 7 Tadasuke Nishihara (Panasonic Wild Knights), 6 Sione Vatuvei (Panasonic Wild Knights), 5 Luke Thompson (Kintetsu Liners), 4 Hitoshi Ono (Toshiba Brave Lupus), 3 Nozomu Fujita (Honda Heat), 2 Yusuke Aoki (Suntory Sungoliath), 1 Naoki Kawamata (Panasonic Wild Knights),
Replacements: 16 Shota Horie (Panasonic Wild Knights), 17 Kensuke Hatakeyama (Suntory Sungoliath), 18 Toshizumi Kitagawa (Toyota Verblitz), 19 Itaru Taniguchi (Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers), 20 Atsushi Hiwasa (Suntory Sungoliath), 21 Koji Taira (Suntory Sungoliath), 22 Shaun Webb (Coca-Cola West Red Sparks)
USA Eagles: 15 Blaine Scully (Unattached), 14 Kevin Swiryn (Agen), 13 Tai Enosa (Belmont Shore), 12 Paul Emerick (Life University), 11 James Paterson (Otago), 10 Nese Malifa (Glendale), 9 Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club) (captain), 8 JJ Gagiano (University of Cape Town), 7 Louis Stanfill (Unattached), 6 Patrick Danahy (Life University), 5 Hayden Smith (Saracens), 4 Scott LaValla (Stade Français), 3 Eric Fry (Las Vegas Blackjacks), 2 Phillip Thiel (Life University), 1 Mike Macdonald (Leeds Carnegie)
Replacements: 16 Chris Biller (San Francisco Golden Gate), 17 Shawn Pittman (London Welsh), 18 Nic Johnson (Unattached), 19 Ryan Chapman (Utah Warriors), 20 Tim Usasz (Nottingham RFC), 21 Roland Suniula (Boston Rugby), 22 Andrew Suniula (Chicago Griffins)
South Africa have opted to rotate their options as they look to return to winning ways against New Zealand in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
Coach Peter de Villiers has made five changes in the wake of his side's reverse to Australia last weekend - their third in-a-row this year. Morne Steyn is recalled at fly-half at the expense of Butch James while back-row forward Willem Alberts, hooker Bismarck du Plessis and loose-head prop Gurthro Steenkamp all come back into the side to replace Danie Rossouw, John Smit and Tendai Mtawarira respectively. In the other change, versatile back Pat Lambie will start at fullback in place of the injured Frans Steyn.
Mtawarira, Rossouw and James are joined on the bench by CJ Van der Linde and Ashley Johnson, who was added to the Boks' squad earlier this week with Juan Smith sidelined through injury. Jean Deysel and Gerhard Mostert drop out of the match 22. In Smit's absence, Victor Matfield will captain the side for a 16th time.
New Zealand head coach Graham Henry has also made a number of personnel changes from their last outing, a victory against Australia in Auckland on August 6. Skipper and openside flanker Richie McCaw is being rested, as is fly-half Dan Carter, with Adam Thomson and Colin Slade named in their place. Veteran hooker Keven Mealamu will captain the team for the second time in a Test, after he led the All Blacks against Scotland in late 2008.
Slade is set for his second run-on start in his fifth Test, Jimmy Cowan is back at halfback, while in the forwards Liam Messam is at No.8, Sam Whitelock returns to lock alongside Ali Williams and John Afoa returns from his eye socket injury at tight-head prop.
The starting 15 also feature the return of a number of other recently injured All Blacks to the Test side for the first time this season. New Zealand's most capped prop, Tony Woodcock, is set to make his 75th Test appearance after an injury-enforced absence while fit-again back Richard Kahui is at centre, pairing with Sonny Bill Williams in the midfield for the first time. Isaia Toeava is on the right wing and Israel Dagg is at fullback.
This is a hard game to pick. IF SBW, Dagg, Kahui and Toeava click AND pack can match the brute force odf Saffies then it s All Blacks to win by 5.
Thats one hell of a Bok pack and 2 more brutes at center.....not alot of finesse but they will do well.
Blacks by 5 on superbru as this also allows for a draw to get 1/2 point bonus.
South Africa: Pat Lambie, JP Pietersen, Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez; Gurthro Steenkamp, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Bakkies Botha, Victor Matfield, Heinrich Brussow, Willem Alberts, Pierre Spies
Replacements: John Smit, Tendai Mtawarira, CJ Van der Linde, Danie Rossouw, Ashley Johnson, Francois Hougaard, Butch James
New Zealand: Israel Dagg; Isaia Toeava, Richard Kahui, Sonny Bill Williams, Hosea Gear; Colin Slade, Jimmy Cowan; Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu (captain), John Afoa, Sam Whitelock, Ali Williams, Jerome Kaino, Adam Thomson, Liam Messam
Replacements: Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Jarrad Hoeata, Victor Vito, Andy Ellis, Piri Weepu, Cory Jane.
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
Preview: Wales vs Argentina
Nice Welsh team strengthened by return of Byrne and Halfpenny.
Argies need the game.
If Wales can outscore England 3 tries to 1 with only 30% of the ball, think what they can do with 50%
Wales by 21
Teams:
Wales: 15 Lee Byrne, 14 Leigh Halfpenny, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 James Hook, 9 Tavis Knoyle, 8 Andy Powell, 7 Martyn Williams (captain), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Paul James.
Replacements: 16 Huw Bennett, 17 Ryan Bevington, 18 Jonathan Thomas, 19 Justin Tipuric, 20 Lloyd Williams, 21 Stephen Jones, 22 Aled Brew.
Argentina: 15 Martin Rodriguez, 14 Horacio Agulla, 13 Marcelo Bosch, 12 Santiago Fernandez, 11 Gonzalo Camacho, 10 Felipe Contepomi (captain), 9 Nicolas Vergallo, 8 Juan Manuel Leguizamon, 7 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, 6 Julio Alfredo Farias Cabello, 5 Patricio Albacete, 4 Manuel Carizza, 3 Juan Figallo, 2 Mario Ledesma, 1 Rodrigo Roncero.
Replacements: 16 Agustin Creevy, 17 Martin Scelzo, 18 Mariano Galarza, 19 Alejandro Campos, 20 Alfredo Lalanne, 21 Federico Sanches, 22 Juan Jose Imhoff.
Preview: Ireland vs France
BOD back for Ireland will make all the difference.
France looked like they had something in the first 20 mins last week then petered out.
It will be close but Ireland to win at home by 12
Ireland: 15 Felix Jones, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (captain), 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Tomas O'Leary, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Shane Jennings, 6 Sean O'Brien, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Rory Best, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 Jerry Flannery, 17 Tom Court, 18 Mike McCarthy, 19 Stephen Ferris, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Ronan O'Gara, 22 Luke Fitzgerald.
France: 15 Cedric Heymans, 14 Maxime Medard, 13 Aurelien Rougerie, 12 Fabrice Estebanez, 11 Alexis Palisson, 10 David Skrela, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Julien Bonnaire, 7 Louis Picamoles, 6 Fulgence Ouedraogo, 5 Lionel Nallet (captain), 4 Pascal Pape, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 Dimitri Szarzewski, 1 Jean-Baptiste Poux.
Replacements: 16 Guilhem Guirado, 17 Fabien Barcella, 18 Julien Pierre, 19 Raphael Lakafia, 20 Dimitri Yachvili, 21 Francois Trinh-Duc, 22 Vincent Clerc.
Preview: Scotland vs Italy
Scotland have a good team out.
Italy looked rather one dimensional against Japan last week.
Scots should win well.
Scotland by
Teams:
Scotland: 15 Rory Lamont, 14 Max Evans, 13 Nick De Luca, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 Simon Danielli, 10 Dan Parks, 9 Mike Blair, 8 Richie Vernon, 7 John Barclay, 6 Kelly Brown, 5 Alastair Kellock, 4 Nathan Hines, 3 Moray Low, 2 Scott Lawson, 1 Alasdair Dickinson.
Replacements: 16 Dougie Hall, 17 Euan Murray, 18 Richie Gray, 19 Ross Rennie, 20 Chris Cusiter, 21 Ruaridh Jackson, 22 Nikki Walker.
Italy: 15 Andrea Masi, 14 Tommaso Benvenuti, 13 Gonzalo Canale, 12 Gonzalo Garcia, 11 Mirco Bergamasco, 10 Luciano Orquera, 9 Fabio Semenzato, 8 Sergio Parisse (captain), 7 Robert Barbieri, 6 Paul Derbyshire, 5 Cornelius van Zyl, 4 Carlo Antonio Del Fava, 3 Martin Castrogiovanni, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini, 1 Andrea Lo Cicero.
Replacements: 16 Tommaso D'Apice, 17 Lorenzo Cittadini, 18 Marco Bortolami, 19 Alessandro Zanni, 20 Pablo Canavosio, 21 Riccardo Bocchino, 22 Matteo Pratichetti.
Preview: Japan vs USA
USA have looked terrible thanks to the pedantic patterns of coach O'Sullivan.
They've lost Clever so they really have no chance.
Japan by 18.
Teams
Japan: 15 Taihei Ueda (Honda Heat), 14 Takehisa Usuzuki (Toshiba Brave Lupus), 13 Alisi Tupuailai (Canon Eagles), 12 Ryan Nicholas (Suntory Sungoliath), 11 Hirotoki Onozawa (Suntory Sungoliath), 10 Murray Williams (Toyota Industries Shuttles), 9 Tomoki Yoshida (Toshiba Brave Lupus), 8 Takashi Kikutani (Toyota Verblitz), 7 Tadasuke Nishihara (Panasonic Wild Knights), 6 Sione Vatuvei (Panasonic Wild Knights), 5 Luke Thompson (Kintetsu Liners), 4 Hitoshi Ono (Toshiba Brave Lupus), 3 Nozomu Fujita (Honda Heat), 2 Yusuke Aoki (Suntory Sungoliath), 1 Naoki Kawamata (Panasonic Wild Knights),
Replacements: 16 Shota Horie (Panasonic Wild Knights), 17 Kensuke Hatakeyama (Suntory Sungoliath), 18 Toshizumi Kitagawa (Toyota Verblitz), 19 Itaru Taniguchi (Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers), 20 Atsushi Hiwasa (Suntory Sungoliath), 21 Koji Taira (Suntory Sungoliath), 22 Shaun Webb (Coca-Cola West Red Sparks)
USA Eagles: 15 Blaine Scully (Unattached), 14 Kevin Swiryn (Agen), 13 Tai Enosa (Belmont Shore), 12 Paul Emerick (Life University), 11 James Paterson (Otago), 10 Nese Malifa (Glendale), 9 Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club) (captain), 8 JJ Gagiano (University of Cape Town), 7 Louis Stanfill (Unattached), 6 Patrick Danahy (Life University), 5 Hayden Smith (Saracens), 4 Scott LaValla (Stade Français), 3 Eric Fry (Las Vegas Blackjacks), 2 Phillip Thiel (Life University), 1 Mike Macdonald (Leeds Carnegie)
Replacements: 16 Chris Biller (San Francisco Golden Gate), 17 Shawn Pittman (London Welsh), 18 Nic Johnson (Unattached), 19 Ryan Chapman (Utah Warriors), 20 Tim Usasz (Nottingham RFC), 21 Roland Suniula (Boston Rugby), 22 Andrew Suniula (Chicago Griffins)
Friday, August 19, 2011
Currie Cup Rd 24
I'm also a big fan of Currie Cup.
For exactly the same reasons as ITM Cup.
Here are my Superbru selections;
Friday, 19 August
Blue Bulls v Griquas Bulls by 15
Western Province v Golden Lions Province by2
Sharks v Leopards Sharks by 40
Saturday, 20 August
Free State Cheetahs v Pumas Cheetahs by 18
I'm currently in top 5% of competitors at moment. And there is something like 64,000 participating.
For exactly the same reasons as ITM Cup.
Here are my Superbru selections;
Friday, 19 August
Blue Bulls v Griquas Bulls by 15
Western Province v Golden Lions Province by2
Sharks v Leopards Sharks by 40
Saturday, 20 August
Free State Cheetahs v Pumas Cheetahs by 18
I'm currently in top 5% of competitors at moment. And there is something like 64,000 participating.
ITM Cup Aug 19 2011
Preview: Canterbury v Taranaki
Sean Maitland makes a welcome return from an ankle injury to resume at fullback for Canterbury, while Corey Flynn should see some game time off the bench after being released by the All Blacks. Taranaki has lost George Pisi and Mahonri Schwalger to Samoa's World Cup squad.
Also Andre Taylor is out and the little terrier Tyson Keats is on the bench.
Overall I like the Canterbury line up and they are on a winning streak.
I hope Fruean and Maitland can regain their try scoring touches.
Playing at home helps, so I'm going with the bookies on this with a 10 pt margin to Canterbury which keeps their play off hopes alive.
TEAMS:
Canterbury: 1. Paea Fa'anunu, 2. Ben Funnell, 3. Nepo Laulala, 4. Luke Romano, 5. Ash Parker, 6. George Whitelock (capt), 7. Matt Todd, 8. Nasi Manu, 9. Willi Heinz, 10. Tyler Bleyendaal, 11. Patrick Osborne, 12. Ryan Crotty, 13. Robbie Fruean, 14. Johnny McNicholl, 15. Sean Maitland.
Reserves: 16. Corey Flynn, 17. Joe Moody, 18. Luke Katene or Joel Everson, 19. Brendon O'Connor, 20. Mark Swanepoel, 21. Tom Taylor, 22. Telusa Veainu or Rhys Llewellyn, 23. Andrew Olorenshaw.
Taranaki: 1. Carl Carmichael, 2. Laurence Corlett, 3. Michael Bent, 4. Jason Eaton, 5. Craig Clarke (capt), 6. Ben Souness, 7. Scott Waldrom, 8. Samuela Vunisa, 9. Brett Goodin, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Jackson Ormond, 12. Jayden Hayward, 13. Isaia Tuifua, 14. Waisake Naholo, 15. Kurt Baker.
Reserves: 16. Timo Tutavaha, 17. Shane Cleaver, 18. James Broadhurst, 19. Chris Walker, 20. Tyson Keats, 21. Jack Cameron, 22. Frazer Climo, 23. Willie Ioane.
Preview: Auckland v Bay of Plenty
Auckland has made plenty of changes from Tuesday's match.
The changes go to the bench which is probably not a bad choice given their lacklustre performance vs Tasman.
Sean Horan (Bay) has a whole bunch of brackets in the team and on the bench. The only two confirmed changes are at tighthead prop, where Bronson Murray starts, lock (Leon Power moves up from the bench) and first-five where Chris Noakes gets the job.
If Bay of Plenty's season is not to vanish almost without trace a far more cohesive effort and, more importantly, a win of any description at Auckland is not just desirable but absolutely necessary.
Auckland need this win to give them a chance for play-offs.
I think at home Auckland may be motivated to not look like total pratts.
Both have good players on paper.
I think Auckland management would have learned alot from BOP defeat against Hawkes bay and will have a plan.
I'm going with Auckland by 8pts.
BTW. The BOP vs Hawkes bay game was probably the best game I have seen from ITM cup this season. It was hard, continuous running by both teams. HB were blessed to have Dagg and Guildford playing and they made all the difference.
TEAMS:
Auckland: 1. Pauliasi Manu, 2. Tom McCartney (capt), 3. Charlie Faumuina, 4. Liaki Moli, 5. Chris Lowrey, 6. Nathan Hughes, 7. Sean Polwart, 8. Peter Saili, 9. Alby Mathewson, 10. Gareth Anscombe, 11. George Moala, 12. Winston Stanley, 13. Hadleigh Parkes, 14. Joe Rokocoko, 15.Dave Thomas .
Reserves: 16. Ash Dixon, 17. Angus Ta'avao, 18. Steve Luatua, 19. Sam Henwood, 20. Toby Morland, 21. Piers Francis, 22. Brent Ward, 23. Tevita Mailau.
Bay of Plenty: 1. Tristan Moran, 2. John Pareanga, 3. Bronson Murray, 4. Leon Power, 5. Culum Retallick or Luke Andrews, 6. Tanerau Latimer, 7. Luke Braid, 8. Colin Bourke (capt), 9. Jamie Nutbrown, 10. Chris Noakes, 11. Jason Hona or Ben W Smith, 12. Steve Kefu or Hona, 13. Phil Burleigh, 14. Lelia Masaga, 15. Toby Arnold.
Reserves: 16. Daniel Perrin, 17. Greg Pleasants-Tate, 18. Andrews or Leighton Price, 19. Sam Cane, 20. Josh Hall, 21. Daniel Waenga or Nick McCashin, 22. Smith or Lance MacDonald, 23. Josh Hohneck.
The rest of the day's games I'll offer an opinion later.
Link to BOP vs HB game
Sean Maitland makes a welcome return from an ankle injury to resume at fullback for Canterbury, while Corey Flynn should see some game time off the bench after being released by the All Blacks. Taranaki has lost George Pisi and Mahonri Schwalger to Samoa's World Cup squad.
Also Andre Taylor is out and the little terrier Tyson Keats is on the bench.
Overall I like the Canterbury line up and they are on a winning streak.
I hope Fruean and Maitland can regain their try scoring touches.
Playing at home helps, so I'm going with the bookies on this with a 10 pt margin to Canterbury which keeps their play off hopes alive.
TEAMS:
Canterbury: 1. Paea Fa'anunu, 2. Ben Funnell, 3. Nepo Laulala, 4. Luke Romano, 5. Ash Parker, 6. George Whitelock (capt), 7. Matt Todd, 8. Nasi Manu, 9. Willi Heinz, 10. Tyler Bleyendaal, 11. Patrick Osborne, 12. Ryan Crotty, 13. Robbie Fruean, 14. Johnny McNicholl, 15. Sean Maitland.
Reserves: 16. Corey Flynn, 17. Joe Moody, 18. Luke Katene or Joel Everson, 19. Brendon O'Connor, 20. Mark Swanepoel, 21. Tom Taylor, 22. Telusa Veainu or Rhys Llewellyn, 23. Andrew Olorenshaw.
Taranaki: 1. Carl Carmichael, 2. Laurence Corlett, 3. Michael Bent, 4. Jason Eaton, 5. Craig Clarke (capt), 6. Ben Souness, 7. Scott Waldrom, 8. Samuela Vunisa, 9. Brett Goodin, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Jackson Ormond, 12. Jayden Hayward, 13. Isaia Tuifua, 14. Waisake Naholo, 15. Kurt Baker.
Reserves: 16. Timo Tutavaha, 17. Shane Cleaver, 18. James Broadhurst, 19. Chris Walker, 20. Tyson Keats, 21. Jack Cameron, 22. Frazer Climo, 23. Willie Ioane.
Preview: Auckland v Bay of Plenty
Auckland has made plenty of changes from Tuesday's match.
The changes go to the bench which is probably not a bad choice given their lacklustre performance vs Tasman.
Sean Horan (Bay) has a whole bunch of brackets in the team and on the bench. The only two confirmed changes are at tighthead prop, where Bronson Murray starts, lock (Leon Power moves up from the bench) and first-five where Chris Noakes gets the job.
If Bay of Plenty's season is not to vanish almost without trace a far more cohesive effort and, more importantly, a win of any description at Auckland is not just desirable but absolutely necessary.
Auckland need this win to give them a chance for play-offs.
I think at home Auckland may be motivated to not look like total pratts.
Both have good players on paper.
I think Auckland management would have learned alot from BOP defeat against Hawkes bay and will have a plan.
I'm going with Auckland by 8pts.
BTW. The BOP vs Hawkes bay game was probably the best game I have seen from ITM cup this season. It was hard, continuous running by both teams. HB were blessed to have Dagg and Guildford playing and they made all the difference.
TEAMS:
Auckland: 1. Pauliasi Manu, 2. Tom McCartney (capt), 3. Charlie Faumuina, 4. Liaki Moli, 5. Chris Lowrey, 6. Nathan Hughes, 7. Sean Polwart, 8. Peter Saili, 9. Alby Mathewson, 10. Gareth Anscombe, 11. George Moala, 12. Winston Stanley, 13. Hadleigh Parkes, 14. Joe Rokocoko, 15.Dave Thomas .
Reserves: 16. Ash Dixon, 17. Angus Ta'avao, 18. Steve Luatua, 19. Sam Henwood, 20. Toby Morland, 21. Piers Francis, 22. Brent Ward, 23. Tevita Mailau.
Bay of Plenty: 1. Tristan Moran, 2. John Pareanga, 3. Bronson Murray, 4. Leon Power, 5. Culum Retallick or Luke Andrews, 6. Tanerau Latimer, 7. Luke Braid, 8. Colin Bourke (capt), 9. Jamie Nutbrown, 10. Chris Noakes, 11. Jason Hona or Ben W Smith, 12. Steve Kefu or Hona, 13. Phil Burleigh, 14. Lelia Masaga, 15. Toby Arnold.
Reserves: 16. Daniel Perrin, 17. Greg Pleasants-Tate, 18. Andrews or Leighton Price, 19. Sam Cane, 20. Josh Hall, 21. Daniel Waenga or Nick McCashin, 22. Smith or Lance MacDonald, 23. Josh Hohneck.
The rest of the day's games I'll offer an opinion later.
Link to BOP vs HB game
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The teams:
Wellington: 15 Apoua Stewart, 14 Alapati Leiua, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Charlie Ngatai, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Brad Shields, 7 Scott Fuglistaller, 6 Dean Brunsdon, 5 Mark Reddish, 4 Jeremy Thrush (c), 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Reggie Goodes
Replacements: 16 Motu Matu'u, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18 Joe Latta, 19 Faifili Levave, 20 Frae Wilson, 21 Michael Hobbs, 22 Steve Honey, 23 Arden David-Perrot.
Southland: 15 Robbie Robinson, 14 Kade Poki, 13 Kendrick Lynn, 12 Matt Saunders, 11 Glen Horton, 10 James Wilson, 9 Scott Cowan, 8 Elliot Dixon, 7 Tim Boys, 6 John Hardie, 5 Ben Nally, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Nic Barrett, 2 Jason Rutledge, 1 Jamie Mackintosh (c).
Replacements: 16 David Hall, 17 Chris King, 18 Michael Fatialofa, 19 Tom Chamberlin, 20 Sonny Rangitoheriri, 21 Marty McKenzie, 22 Tony Koonwaiyou, 23 Michael Peterson.
ITM Cup 2011
To get this blog rolling I just want to start a few discussions.
a) ITM Cup is brilliant.
Its a provincial club competition where you can watch a vast range of talent all on the same field.
We see your 'ordinary' journeymen who must hold down a job in order to play. We see the youngsters coming through all the systems such as baby blacks and 7's teams. We see the players with super 15 contracts. At times we get to see those players who have become internationals. Such a brilliantly diverse set of skill levels.
One would presume that when the internationals play they are able to turn the tide of any game. Not so in most instances.
In fact I like to judge the real effectiveness of a national player by how he can inject that little bit of magic into a game.
Players I rated at S15 level such as Fruean have not impressed as much as I would expect at provincial level.
I have watched some epic games such as the recent Bay of Plenty vs Hawkes Bay.
I have enjoyed watching lowly Tasman defy their current standings by beating mighty Auckland. After watching them battle against Canterbury and Taranaki it came as no surprise to this writer.
Tonights game Wellington vs Southland will be interesting.
Wellington have been very sub standard and this is reflected by them anchoring the top division.
Southland are one place ahead and whilst they don't let in too many tries, they also cannot score many.
The Lions must win as this is their last home game before finals. There is an outside chance they could reach finals if they can just win tonight. Southland have two more home games with the first being a Ranfurly Shield defence against Taranaki.
They have a problem. It looks like they are putting out a strong team tonight. They have a 5 day turnaround before the Ranfurly Shield defence so I've no doubt they're hoping to win both.
I'm backing Lions to finally show some mettle in front of their home crowd. Probably by 2 tries to one.
I play Superbru, so my margin will be 12. I'm currently in the top 10% so am hoping to do well.
b) What has happened to a few New Zealand rugby websites such as allblacks.com, itmcup.co.nz and nzrugby.co.nz.
Here in Houston Texas it says the servers are down. This has been going on for the last 3 days.
I miss my info.
The New Zealand Herald sucks as a source of info on ITM Cup.
Whats wrong with that picture?
Are you people not proud of your rugby?
c) Why can't we get ITM Cup on TV over here in USA?
I have to access internet sites to get the games.
This is a disgrace.
We have direct TV, a satellite company, that has 2 channels free for rugby. Guess what we are able to watch?
Currie Cup. (Tri Nations also, thank goodness).
Why CC but no ITM?
These are the only 2 competitions being shown on stations with 24 hrs to potentially fill with content.
Don't get me wrong, I like Currie just as much for all the same reasons.
I would argue the 'powers that be' in your RFU have done a terrible job in promoting New Zealand rugby.
Doubly so in World Cup year.
Even if they are terrible negotiators and not able to get much money for the programming, they could have given it away with perhaps an ad for New Zealand world cup thrown in as part of the deal.
d) I'm a Brit, but Northern Hemisphere rugby sucks to high heaven. So many reasons and I'd like to offer my opinions at a later date. Don't get me wrong. I'd love to be able to have some pride in my National team. Northern Hemisphere teams have just not moved into 21st century. They've had plenty of time to watch Southern Hemisphere and try to mimick.
Of course it won't happen overnight, but we're not even trying at any level.
a) ITM Cup is brilliant.
Its a provincial club competition where you can watch a vast range of talent all on the same field.
We see your 'ordinary' journeymen who must hold down a job in order to play. We see the youngsters coming through all the systems such as baby blacks and 7's teams. We see the players with super 15 contracts. At times we get to see those players who have become internationals. Such a brilliantly diverse set of skill levels.
One would presume that when the internationals play they are able to turn the tide of any game. Not so in most instances.
In fact I like to judge the real effectiveness of a national player by how he can inject that little bit of magic into a game.
Players I rated at S15 level such as Fruean have not impressed as much as I would expect at provincial level.
I have watched some epic games such as the recent Bay of Plenty vs Hawkes Bay.
I have enjoyed watching lowly Tasman defy their current standings by beating mighty Auckland. After watching them battle against Canterbury and Taranaki it came as no surprise to this writer.
Tonights game Wellington vs Southland will be interesting.
Wellington have been very sub standard and this is reflected by them anchoring the top division.
Southland are one place ahead and whilst they don't let in too many tries, they also cannot score many.
The Lions must win as this is their last home game before finals. There is an outside chance they could reach finals if they can just win tonight. Southland have two more home games with the first being a Ranfurly Shield defence against Taranaki.
They have a problem. It looks like they are putting out a strong team tonight. They have a 5 day turnaround before the Ranfurly Shield defence so I've no doubt they're hoping to win both.
I'm backing Lions to finally show some mettle in front of their home crowd. Probably by 2 tries to one.
I play Superbru, so my margin will be 12. I'm currently in the top 10% so am hoping to do well.
b) What has happened to a few New Zealand rugby websites such as allblacks.com, itmcup.co.nz and nzrugby.co.nz.
Here in Houston Texas it says the servers are down. This has been going on for the last 3 days.
I miss my info.
The New Zealand Herald sucks as a source of info on ITM Cup.
Whats wrong with that picture?
Are you people not proud of your rugby?
c) Why can't we get ITM Cup on TV over here in USA?
I have to access internet sites to get the games.
This is a disgrace.
We have direct TV, a satellite company, that has 2 channels free for rugby. Guess what we are able to watch?
Currie Cup. (Tri Nations also, thank goodness).
Why CC but no ITM?
These are the only 2 competitions being shown on stations with 24 hrs to potentially fill with content.
Don't get me wrong, I like Currie just as much for all the same reasons.
I would argue the 'powers that be' in your RFU have done a terrible job in promoting New Zealand rugby.
Doubly so in World Cup year.
Even if they are terrible negotiators and not able to get much money for the programming, they could have given it away with perhaps an ad for New Zealand world cup thrown in as part of the deal.
d) I'm a Brit, but Northern Hemisphere rugby sucks to high heaven. So many reasons and I'd like to offer my opinions at a later date. Don't get me wrong. I'd love to be able to have some pride in my National team. Northern Hemisphere teams have just not moved into 21st century. They've had plenty of time to watch Southern Hemisphere and try to mimick.
Of course it won't happen overnight, but we're not even trying at any level.
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