Zac Guildford, Tyler Campbell, Bailyn Sullivan, Dwayne Sweeney (c), Sevu Reece, Sam Christie, Pele Cowley; Jordan Manihera, Mitch Jacobson, Luke Jacobson, James Tucker, Jacob Skeen, Sefo Kautai, Hame Faiva, Loni Uhila

Reserves: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ayden Johnstone, Joshua Iosefa-Scott, Leva Fifita, Adam Burn, Harrison Levien, Tevita Taufui, Iliesa Ratuva Tavuyara

Christie better not continue with those aimless kicks.

The conditions will be great for running rugby, which will suit both teams.

15 Luteru Laulala, 14 Nigel Ah-Wong, 13 Sam Furniss, 12 Stephen Donald, 11 Tim Nanai-Williams, 10 Baden Kerr, 9 Augustine Pulu (c); 8 Sam Henwood, 7 Fotu Lokotui, 6 Ronald Raaymakers, 5 Matiaha Martin, 4 Jimmy Tupou (c), 3 Kalolo Tuiloma, 2 Gafatasi Su'a, 1 Pauliasi Manu

Reserves: 16 Joe Royal, 17 Sean Bagshaw, 18 Coree Te Whata-Colley, 19 Leroy Jack, 20 Viliami Taulani, 21 Jonathan Taumateine, 22 Orbyn Leger, 23 Tevita Nabura

Two 33-yr olds clashing in the no.12 jersey. Sweeney won't fall for the show and go.

@Bovidae said in Waikato vs Counties:

Two 33-yr olds clashing in the no.12 jersey. Sweeney won't fall for the show and go.

Really should be renamed the SToG - Show, Tuck and Go! It really is a signature move. Even when it doesn't work, it makes me smile

Uhila (1.80 m) vs Tuiloma (1.95 m) should be an intriguing contest in the scrums.

Lokotui impressed last week. Has some rough edges but hard and skilled.

I think most rugby journals have this phrase locked in as a typing shortcut

"Not considered because of injury: Glen Fisi'iahi"

@Crucial said in Waikato vs Counties:

I think most rugby journals have this phrase locked in as a typing shortcut

"Not considered because of injury: Glen Fisi'iahi"

Has he even played one game of rugby since he switched codes?

@Gunner He has taken the field a few times, mainly last season. I think he was a permanent food bill this year.

Manihera scores early, now 4 tries this season. He appears to be pretty solid at the moment.

@chimoaus He's got a good pedigree (NZ U20, Westlake Boys).

Classy from Sullivan.

Henwood is a bit of a munter - 2 yellows in 2 weeks.

Waikato on top 14-0 up, penalty count very lopsided in Waikato favour. Waikato in again 19-0.

Manihera gets another one and it's 5 for the season. Guilford has been super busy from 15. Tucker at lock for Waikato very prominent also. 26-0

I don't know how much of this is good from the Moooloo/Shit from us.

Also begs the question on how crap Auckland are.

Defensively Pulu has been bloody impressive - not just the number of tackles but the ferocity

Different reffing style this week too. Much more open game.

@Crucial They are just giving the ball away too easily via penalties, errors and poor kicking. Waikato seem to have more time, forwards are very effective in making ground.

@Tim said in Waikato vs Counties:

Different reffing style this week too. Much more open game.

Yep very short advantages and asking the 9 to clear quickly from mauls and rucks.