Stoked to see big Oli Haig back. Injuries have screwed the last eight months for him. Become a big of a forgotten man. Hopefully he can get a decent run of games.
Wonder where Lio-Willie has gone? On the other hand, really keen to see big Toleafoa havd a run. Long overdue.
@SouthernMann Lio-Willie is being rested. Has to be a request from the All Blacks you would think
Dare I say it but feeling quietly confident for an Otago win. I would think that Otago have the advantage, particularly with the bench. If there aren’t any soft tries and Otago defend like they did last week, I don’t see any reason that they can’t win
Slow and scrappy start from both teams. HB have had the better of the first 10mins, should probably have scored a try early on but ended up with 3
Fairly one-sided affair. HB have dominated the last 10 mins in this one. Both Flanders bros playing well.
Feeble Magpies defence there. I was hoping we'd have this game wrapped up by halftime as I have to stop watching as I'm about to head through customs.
How on earth do Otago get a scrum put in when their player has the ball and loses control from when a Pies player hits it?
Anyway, will take that win even if it wasn't convincing.
Magpies get the chocolates. as for my Otago well Lucas Casey needs to be starting at 7 for us from now on
@Grooter said in Otago v Hawkes Bay:
Magpies get the chocolates. as for my Otago well Lucas Casey needs to be starting at 7 for us from now on
Personally would like to see a back row of Haig 6, Casey 7, Stoddard 8. It’s the most well rounded and brings the most to the set piece and ruck. Thought Toleafoa was sea gulling at the ruck far too much and doesn’t seem like a viable option at lineout. Taylor was ok at 7 but Casey is an upgrade
..very physical 7 and big body as i have said previously on the forum it would not surprise me if given the opportunity hes the Landers 7 in 2026