Here is the team:

Waikato take on Ta$man Mako in round 7 of the Bunnings NPC at FMG Stadium Waikato on Sunday afternoon, kick-off is at 1.05 pm:

1 Ollie Norris (Hautapu)
2 Manaaki Boyle-Tiatia (University)
3 George Dyer (Fraser Tech)
4 Josh Balme (Hamilton Marist)
5 Laghlan McWhannell (Hautapu)
6 Xavier Saifoloi (University)
7 Patrick McCurran (Fraser Tech)
8 Malachi Wrampling (Hamilton Old Boys)
9 Xavier Roe (Hamilton Old Boys) – Co-Captain
10 D’Angelo Leuila (Fraser Tech)
11 Aki Tuivailala (Hamilton Old Boys)
12 Gideon Wrampling (Hamilton Old Boys)
13 Bailyn Sullivan (Hamilton Marist)
14 Quinn Tupaea (Hamilton Old Boys)
15 Tepaea Cook-Savage (Fraser Tech)

16 Sean Ralph (Te Awamutu Sports)
17 Ayden Johnstone (Hautapu) – Co-Captain
18 Gabe Robinson (Hamilton Marist)
19 Tai Cribb (Hamilton Marist)
20 Senita Lauaki (Hautapu)
21 Quintony Ngatai (Hautapu)
22 Aaron Cruden (Morrinsville Sports)
23 Jole Naufahu (University)

Kicking off now

Bailyn Sullivan just runs through Aumua to set up the first try

I swear that was a forward pass from Sullivan.

Good leg drive from D'Angelo Leuila

Geez can believe that try was allowed. Joining from the side to take out defenders created it.

12-10 Waikato at HT

I have never seen such a high proportion of under 10s on the stands. They are everywhere in front of me. Still doesn't excuse the awful choice of DJ music though.

Ta$man - masters of the last kick heroics.

@KiwiMurph I thought Old Man Cruden had stolen it - but, Willi somehow bodged that last one over.

Good composure to continue to play for that penalty.

Not a game I was expecting to win and especially not after the first 15 minutes.

Waikato more spectacular, Ta$man generally more accurate. Biggest mistake probably injuring Butler and getting Timoci on early.

That sucked. It's never a nice way to lose, especially when the ref picks and chooses when to penalise offsides.

Waikato will rue not taking those chances in the 1st half.

Gutted Waikato couldn't take that win, but that's why the Nelson Barbarians are the top team.

Had a yarn with a couple of guys. Senita Lauaki hasn't heard anything from any Super clubs yet, but he's signed for Waikato again next season.

Paddy McCurran is looking for a Super club but has been offered 2 Japan contracts.

Solomone Tukuafu played his last game for Waikato last week and he's off to France in 10 days.

@Yeetyaah said in Waikato v Ta$man:

Nelson Barbarians are the top team

Welly are still top mate.

@Canes4life same same

Waikato were own worst enemies. No effort on their kick chase while Ta$man kept reaping dividends. And played too much footy in their own half. Well done Ta$man

@Yeetyaah Some decent sized units in the Waikato loose forwards.

Malachi Wrampling looks very promising - can't recall seeing him before.

@Chris-B said in Waikato v Ta$man:

Malachi Wrampling looks very promising - can't recall seeing him before.

He made his debut for Waikato last year and if you watched the NZ U20s was in the team that played in the WC in SA last year, and in the RC U20s this year. Unfortunately he got injured in the final game so missed the WC.

@Yeetyaah I'm happy to see more of Gabe Robinson at TH. Another young prop.

@Bovidae Looks like he's got the size and tools to go a long way!

He is also in the Chiefs squad but only played pre-season games. No.8 is his position. Saifoloi is even bigger.

@Bovidae said in Waikato v Ta$man:

He is also in the Chiefs squad but only played pre-season games. No.8 is his position. Saifoloi is even bigger.

Throw Lauaki into the mix too and you have three big, ball carrying loosies that all look like they'd be worth a run at Super level.

And Oli Mathis may be the best of the young loosie crop. Wrampling looks great though.

@ARHS said in Waikato v Ta$man:

And Oli Mathis may be the best of the young loosie crop. Wrampling looks great though.

Depends on how much size Mathis can put on. He's quick, but he's pretty small. Looks more like an inside back size-wise at the moment.

Mathis is slowly getting bigger with S&C, as you'd expect with someone who is still only 18. Wrampling was already a big unit at 1st XV level.

I thought both the Wramplings looked handy over the past couple of weeks. Been a bit if talk about them, it was good to finally get to see them play.

@Crazy-Horse said in Waikato v Ta$man:

I thought both the Wramplings looked handy over the past couple of weeks. Been a bit if talk about them, it was good to finally get to see them play.

Just nice to see Gideon free from injury after a couple of tough seasons. If he can stay on the field then I have very high hopes.