NPC Final: Wellington
Match thread
Bay of Plenty
Dammit we're in the final! Sangster looked pretty damaged on the sidelines on Saturday but we definitely have more depth in the pack than a few years ago - and the core of a side that has been together for 3-4 seasons. I'm hopeful but not confident - much like last weekend.
@mariner4life said in NPC Final: Wellington vs Bay of Plenty:
heartened by the fact that the nation's capital are the all-time Grand Final chokers.
In the last 19 seasons this is Wellington's 8th final. They have won precisely 1. Finals in Wellington? a proud 0-2
Throw in the Hurricanes and their 1-2 record in Super rugby finals and it doesn't make pretty reading.
This is all new to the plucky underdogs from Tauranga, absolutely no emotional baggage.
Thanks for the reminder. We can take faith in the fact that a good bunch of this side saw success in 2022 so most of them have good experience to draw from. 
if someone can put some blue stripes across a few rows of all those empty yellow seats we might even pretend its a home game.
I dont think there was much chance of Sangster coming back, but Ross went off injured last week as well, he will be crucial as well so hopefully he can play.
Im not confident, but we have had a couple of really close battles last couple of years, dont think we are a sure thing beaten.
@bayimports said in NPC Final: Wellington vs Bay of Plenty:
Im not confident, but we have had a couple of really close battles last couple of years, dont think we are a sure thing beaten.
i went to a certain game at the Caketin in 2001 that we were no chance of winning and look what happened?
How good is this match-up on Saturday. The player that performs best on Saturday could go along way in determining the result. Those offload stats from Higgins are insane and Halaholo has the ability to beat defenders at will.
@Canes4life Yip Higgins offload game is what really sets him apart. Strong body and good pace but his ability to free up the ball is amazing.
@mikey07 said in NPC Final: Wellington vs Bay of Plenty:
@george33 Heard that 2 BUT JGB is due to be back as is PUJ
Good news re PUJ but meh re JGB, I suppose Harkin didn't have the best game last week so probably not a massive down-grade at this point.
Jeez Dane aye, how cool would that be. He won't let the jersey down and would be a massive upgrade to Apisai.
@Canes4life
JGB 100 x games
On a negative note ticket sales are not going well according to a contact at the Union office which is a real shame with the bad weather and the long weekend possibly 3-5k.
Its a real shame this is going to be one hell of a match up
I suspect Wellington Rugby cant wait until their contract with the Sky stadium expires then a shift is well truly on the cards
@Steven-Harris oh but I like the $12 chips and $12 cups of beer.
@mikey07 said in NPC Final: Wellington vs Bay of Plenty:
@Steven-Harris oh but I like the $12 chips and $12 cups of beer.
And ticket prices that haven't changed for 20 years. I'd be there in a heartbeat but have family commitments with my daughter and won't get home until just before kick-off.
@Steven-Harris said in NPC Final: Wellington vs Bay of Plenty:
@Canes4life
JGB 100 x games
On a negative note ticket sales are not going well according to a contact at the Union office which is a real shame with the bad weather and the long weekend possibly 3-5k.
Its a real shame this is going to be one hell of a match up
I suspect Wellington Rugby cant wait until their contract with the Sky stadium expires then a shift is well truly on the cards
They should build stands at NZCIS, it will well and truly pay off over time.
@Canes4life I’m not going because this is incredibly stupid but the last two NPC finals I went too we lost. So hoping if I don’t go we’ll win. But seriously I’ve already taken my boy to a game and is more into the Phoenix now that he’s playing Football.
@bayimports said in NPC Final: Wellington vs Bay of Plenty:
Would be good for them to state how many mins played for each player when showcasing these match-ups. I think Broughton has played quite a few more games than Shields this year, likewise with Higgins who I'd say has taken the field a fair few more times more than Halaholo but could be wrong.
@Canes4life said in NPC Final: Wellington vs Bay of Plenty:
@bayimports said in NPC Final: Wellington vs Bay of Plenty:
Would be good for them to state how many mins played for each player when showcasing these match-ups. I think Broughton has played quite a few more games than Shields this year, likewise with Higgins who I'd say has taken the field a fair few more times more than Halaholo but could be wrong.
Willis has played every game despite Reon Paul playing better. Only came right last couple of matches. Higgins has not played all matches.
@ARHS said in NPC Final: Wellington vs Bay of Plenty:
@Canes4life said in NPC Final: Wellington vs Bay of Plenty:
@bayimports said in NPC Final: Wellington vs Bay of Plenty:
Would be good for them to state how many mins played for each player when showcasing these match-ups. I think Broughton has played quite a few more games than Shields this year, likewise with Higgins who I'd say has taken the field a fair few more times more than Halaholo but could be wrong.
Willis has played every game despite Reon Paul playing better. Only came right last couple of matches. Higgins has not played all matches.
That makes his stats even more impressive then.
A BOP win will give the Chiefs region the full set of provincial trophies:
Ranfurly Shield
Meads Cup
Lochore Cup
FPC
@Canes4life
Must be going senile
@barky1 said in NPC Final: Wellington vs Bay of Plenty:
@Canes4life
Must be going senile
To be fair, it is a weird time and I can't recall a game starting at 3.05pm before. 2 or 2.30pm is what we are used to for afternoon footy so I bet it will be confusing for a lot of people. Let's hope the rain stays away.
@foobaNZ said in NPC Final: Wellington vs Bay of Plenty:
Is it Hika Elliot I wonder?
Wouldn't be the worst SOS in the world.
@Canes4life said in NPC Final: Wellington vs Bay of Plenty:
Confirmed, it is Hikawera Elliot.
Lions debut at 38?
@Canes4life Very surprised the Lions did’nt look at Wairarapa Bush hooker Bruce Kauika Peterson who has been a stand out in heartland rugby this year
also lets not forget hes played 2 season with Northland and has a handful of games for Wellington
Its a great storyline for Hika Elliot but i personally think it would have been an even better storyline for a heartland team thats part of the Canes franchise.