Good to see Matich return. I thought Peita was disappointing in the last match
What is Nankivell's best position?
Nabura is an interesting addition. If he goes well it could allow them to move Evans in a position or two in the top team
Waikato
Match thread
Northland
Thats 12 changes from Friday.
Nabura has been playing for East Coast, but plays for Kerikeri, was disappointed he wasnt picked up last year, didnt see much of KK this year to know what his form had been like.
Nankivell is a 10, but he has played 12 and 15, is a good size and pace, with a good kick and not afraid to run it.
SOme experience sprinkled across the team, but plenty inexperienced, will be interesting.
@taniwharugby said in Waikato v Northland:
Nabura has been playing for East Coast, but plays for Kerikeri, was disappointed he wasnt picked up last year, didnt see much of KK this year to know what his form had been like.
I think a few people on here rated him when he was a winger years ago?
The only thing I recall about him is the red card for raising a leg taking a high ball
We last played Waikato in Waikato in 2018, going down 48-26 (Championship semi) and we have won only once in Waikato, back in 2012; 29-12, average scoreline has always been a comfortable win to Waikato 40-21, cant see tomorrow being any different.
Much better from Northland. Not the most accurate phases but better urgency.. Waikato dropping off a couple of tackles
@taniwharugby said in Waikato v Northland:
was Nichols in front of the kick? I'll take it
He was good. Half a metre back
Think Salmon is making a good case to keep the 14 Jersey. Looks a good prospect. Would like to see Murray come on in place of Nabura, Nabura doesn't really look like a 13. Feel like we haven't really had the rub of the green with the ref - not that he has been bad. Considering the amount of changes it is not really a surprise the set piece is struggling but we do need to get it sorted.
@taniwharugby said in Waikato v Northland:
if Salmon can cut the errors out, he should def start, that fumble that lead to a try was a poor error after doing so well to get there, but he offers alot with his accelaration and strength.
Good work rate and intent. He’ll get better with game time
@taniwharugby said in Waikato v Northland:
LMH should be starting ahead of Nock.
It shouldn’t even be a contest on current form
A good start from Waikato and then mistakes led to soft tries. Granted Northland helped Waikato too with their mistakes. It became a cripple fight in the 2nd half. Happy to get that last try.
No surprise to see Oli Mathis get the MOTM. His speed has always been his biggest asset as he has scored plenty of those type of tries at 1st XV level. He made some dominant tackles too (one on Brady Rush I think it was). Cook-Savage seemed determined to help out his Northland mates with some stupid passes.
@cliff said in Waikato v Northland:
Oli Mathis is a future all black once he puts on some size he will be a handful
As long as Waikato and the Chiefs have him signed first!
Yes
Bit of a shame really.
The squads we've had the past few seasons really look like they have had the potential to be at least 50/50 teams.
But same old crap.
And Mathis, that's how I wanted to play seven back in the day. Haha. Fuck that ball scavenging. Hang out in the backline!
@cliff said in Waikato v Northland:
Oli Mathis is a future all black once he puts on some size he will be a handful
He looked every bit that in this game. If the Chiefs haven't signed him....
@cgrant said in Waikato v Northland:
Mathis is talented but his size could limit his aspirations.
Mathis isn't going to get any taller but said himself that he is slowly putting on mass by spending more time in the gym. Remember that he is only in his first year out of school.
@family-man said in Waikato v Northland:
Waikato young back row all look very impressive
Adrein Wharawhara, who made his debut off the bench, is also still only 20 I think. So a good group of young loosies.
