Hawke's Bay

1 Pouri Rakete-Stones
2 Kianu Kereru-Symes
3 Isaac Salmon
4 Frank Lochore
5 Tom Allen
6 Josh Gimblett
7 Josh Kaifa
8 Marino Mikaele-Tu'u
9 Brad Weber
10 Lincoln MClutchie
11 Jonah Lowe
12 Chase Tiatia
13 Nick Grigg
14 Paula Balekana
15 Caleb Makene

16 Tyrone Thompson
17 Tim Farrell
18 Joel Hintz
19 Geoff Cridge
20 Sam Smith
21 Folau Fakatava
22 Anzelo Tuitavuki
23 Harry Godfrey

Tom Allen and Paula Balekana to debut
Return of Geoff Cridge. Must have been a very quick signing for Isaia Walker-Leawere who would seem to be out for the rest of the season.
Tom Parsons and Devan Flanders rested

According to HB Today this will be Brad Weber's final game for Hawke's Bay

@Number-10 said in Hawke's Bay v Waikato:

According to HB Today this will be Brad Weber's final game for Hawke's Bay

So he's indeed not coming back after that South Africa game. Disappointing, but his final game in black & white hoops had to come some time, I suppose.

That's not good news (probably) about IWL, but Cridge has always been good for us, so good to have him back.

Generally speaking, I think they've again made too many changes (this is exactly why I hate stormweek) and I seriously dislike seeing Grigg starting in the 13 jersey again. Did Sapsford really need a rest, too?

Very interested to see Balekana in action.

That must be the youngest locking pair HB have ever started

Good to see Cridge back, I wonder what sort of form he's in.

Also, sucks that this is Webers last game. But obviously hope they have a win to send him off.

Tiatia-Grigg combo in the midfield. It's like Symes is still here. Bahaha.

Hopefully Balekana proves better than some of our previous outside back imports.

@Nepia After watching a highlights reel someone posted from when he played in the MLR he will have to play a lot better here than he did in those to justify his signing, much less selection as a starter. Still I am prepared to give him a chance and see him play in person (picked up my season ticket yesterday!) before passing any further comment.

1 Ollie Norris (Hautapu)
2 Rhys Marshall
3 Solomone Tukuafu (Hamilton Old Boys)
4 Tai Cribb (Te Awamutu Sports)
5 Hamilton Burr (Hautapu) – Captain
6 Xavier Saifoloi (University)*
7 Patrick McCurran (Fraser Tech)
8 Te Rama Reuben (University)
9 Xavier Roe (Hamilton Old Boys)
10 Taha Kemara (Te Awamutu Sports)
11 Tana Tuhakaraina (United Matamata Sports)
12 Austin Anderson (Te Awamutu Sports)
13 Bailyn Sullivan (Hamilton Marist)
14 Cody Nordstrom (Te Awamutu Sports)*
15 Liam Coombes-Fabling (Fraser Tech)

16 Rhys Marshall Sean Ralph
17 Mason Tupaea (Hamilton Marist)*
18 Tolu Fahamokioa
19 Zinzan Hansen (University)*
20 Simon Parker (Hautapu)
21 Nui Muriwai (University)*
22 Gideon Wrampling (Hamilton Old Boys)
23 Tepaea Cook-Savage (Fraser Tech)

Closer to a Development/U20 team.

@Duluth said in Hawke's Bay v Waikato:

2 Rhys Marshall

@Duluth said in Hawke's Bay v Waikato:

16 Rhys Marshall

@Nepia

Looks like they have the image correct but the team list wrong

Sean Ralph on the bench. The same guy that the NPC site called Caleb Ralph last week

Is it possible for both teams to lose?

I'm not sure if I will be able to watch this game live but I am looking forward to seeing how these young players go. By my count there are six players who were involved in U20 rugby this year, and two only a year older.

Absolutely glorious sunny winters day here in the Bay today with the thermometer out on the back porch (in the shade) reading 16.5 degrees at the moment (11.45am) and practically no wind, which is surprising as the sea breeze normally has arrived by now. Hopefully it won't get too cold come game time with the expected overnight low of 4 degrees not having any affect given the early kick off time. My estimate is that it should still be about 11 or maybe 12 degrees for the game which is not too bad considering some of the mind numbingly cold nights we have had recently.
HB 17+ with Brad Weber having a blinder
EDIT The breeze just starting to roll in now. Fingers crossed that it does not swing around and come in off the snow capped Kawekas.

@Bovidae Surprisingly weak and inexperienced team from Waikato. Must be lots of injuries? Saw Mitch Jacobsen last Saturday and he seemed to be moving OK. But no Mcwhannell.

@ARHS said in Hawke's Bay v Waikato:

Surprisingly weak and inexperienced team from Waikato.

I'm not surprised. The middle of a storm week, and third away game. Hopefully Filipo is saving a few players to select a stronger team for the first home game against Taranaki on Sunday.

But no Mcwhannell.

I think he always unavailable for the first few games. I wasn't expecting two young, inexperienced locks to be selected in his absence though.

@Higgins have fun at the game @Higgins . I'm tied up at work till 5:30, so will be cheering on from the sofa

@Stockcar86 Excuse me, kick off is not until 1735hrs so you could still make it. Park in Georges Drive or Douglas McLean Ave and its only about a five minute or so walk from there to the gates. At worst you might only miss about the first 15 minutes or so!

@Bovidae said in Hawke's Bay v Waikato:

@ARHS said in Hawke's Bay v Waikato:

Surprisingly weak and inexperienced team from Waikato.

But no Mcwhannell.

I think he always unavailable for the first few games. I wasn't expecting two young, inexperienced locks to be selected in his absence though.

Think you will find the HB pairing is equally inexperienced so that equals that situation out.

B Sullivan with the early try

Waikato have had all the ball

Roe needs to head to the crusaders.

15-7 Waikato after 30mins

Waikato have had a massive amount of ball. 108-15 tackles. Waikato prob should’ve forced more points. It should make the final quarter hard for HB though