Game Date and time Your pick
[17] North Harbour v Counties Manukau 4 Sep 19:35 (local) 4 Sep 19:35 (your time*) Counties Manukau by 7
[18] Northland v Manawatu 5 Sep 19:35 (local) 5 Sep 19:35 (your time*) Northland by 7
[19] Southland v Otago 6 Sep 19:35 (local) 6 Sep 19:35 (your time*) Otago by 7
[20] Taranaki v Hawke's Bay 7 Sep 18:05 (local) 7 Sep 18:05 (your time*) Taranaki by 7
[21] Counties Manukau v Bay of Plenty 7 Sep 20:05 (local) 7 Sep 20:05 (your time*) Bay of Plenty by 1
[22] Auckland v Waikato 8 Sep 14:35 (local) 8 Sep 14:35 (your time*)
Auckland by 7
[23] Canterbury v Wellington 8 Sep 16:35 (local) 8 Sep 16:35 (your time*) Canterbury by 3
[24] Manawatu v Tasman 9 Sep 14:35 (local) 9 Sep 14:35 (your time*) Tasman by 1
[25] Northland v North Harbour 9 Sep 16:35 (local) 9 Sep 16:35 (your time*) Northland by 7
I could be wrong but it is hard to pick without seeing a team sheet.
Favs as the bookies make them available
Counties 3/4
Counties has shown enough across the park and on both sides of the ball to earn favouritism for this game, and there is no reason why they shouldn't head home with another good win safely tucked away. Their Napier problems should be relatively quick-fixes while Harbour is still battling to get everyone on the same page. Even though they're away from home, the Steelers appeal as the better team in this match.
Harbor have at least 5 quality players including their front row, Hobbs, Tuitavake,and Raikuna who has been a workhorse.
But counties have the measure of them in the forwards. Forbes and Lee work well together. Baden Kerr is a good organiser at fly half, and Halai and Williams are quality finishers.
On the whole I reckon Counties by 12
TEAMS:
North Harbour: 1. Salesi Manu, 2. James Parsons, 3. Ben Afeaki (capt), 4. Chris Smith, 5. Filo Paulo, 6. Sam Hayes-Stevenson, 7. Malakai Ravulo, 8. Jim Tuivaiti, 9. Bryn Hall, 10. Michael Hobbs, 11. Nafi Tuitavake, 12. Pita Ahki, 13. Cory Aporo, 14. David Raikuna, 15. Luke Devcich.
Reserves: 16. Manu Leiataua, 17. Alex Woonton, 18. Api Ratuniyarawa, 19. Irwin Finau, 20. Brenton Helleur, 21. James Semple, 22. Dennis Pili.
Counties-Manukau: 1. Simon Lemalu, 2. Mahonri Schwalger, 3. Matt Talaese, 4. Ronald Raaymakers, 5. Daniel Adongo, 6. Adam Cathcart, 7. DJ Forbes (capt), 8. Fritz Lee, 9. August Pulu, 10. Baden Kerr, 11. Tony Pulu, 12. Bundee Aki, 13. Reynold Lee-Lo, 14. Frank Halai, 15. Tim Nanai-Williams.
Reserves: 16. Suliasi Taufalele or Mark Price, 17. Maka Tatafu, 18. Jimmy Tupou, 19. Mark Selwyn, 20. David Bason, 21. Ray Laulala, 22. Sherwin Stowers.
Game over and, by good fortune Counties win by 12. 27-15 to Counties
Northland 2/9 Fav vs Manawatu
Manawatu: 1. Grant Polson, 2. Rob Foreman, 3. Ma'afu Fia, 4. Fraser Stone, 5. Michael Fitzgerald, 6. Nick Crosswell (capt), 7. Callum Gibbins, 8. James Oliver, 9. Karl Bryson, 10. Junior Tomasi Cama, 11. Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 12. Matenga Baker, 13. Jason Emery, 14. Craig Clare, 15. Nehe Milner-Skudder.
Reserves: 16. Bryn Templeman, 17. Eric Fry, 18. Reece Robinson, 19. Antonio Kirikiri, 20. Papa Wharewera, 21. Lewis Marshall, 22. George Tilsley.
Cannot find a team sheet for Northland, not even on their own website.
How do you spell amateur?
If the teams can't take this competition seriously by respecting its fans, then whhy should anyone care if it goes he way of the dodo bird.
Northland beat Waikato away from home which was amazing.
Which of those players will be on the field tonight.
I am going to presume they have the urge and heart to win at home.
Manawatu are a proud team and were thrashed by Auckland last time out. Rennie their coach would have read them the riot act, so expect more heart.'
I think Northland by 10 if Rene Ranger plays.
Game over and Manawatu win 33-20
I missed the game but apparently Turbos wanted the win more than Northland.
heck I still haven't seen a full team sheet for Northland.
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