Preview: Air NZ Cup, Round Three
Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:21
The announcement this week that Northland and Tasman will be culled from the Air New Zealand Cup at the end of the season, has added some spice to the country's premier domestic competition.
Already there is talk of court action, but no doubt the Northland Taniwha and Tasman Makos will want to make a few statements on the playing field.
The current standings have Tasman in first place and Northland just one place below, a statement in itself.
They are ahead of such illustrious sides as Otago, defending champions Auckland, Taranaki and Waikato.
It is questionable if the two unwanted teams will stay there, but no doubt the announcement has raised the interest in the tournament - if only to see if the NZRU's decision - obviously based on a lot more than just on-field performance - was justified.
The weekend's action starts with the now regular Thursday game, when Manawatu host Waikato in Palmerston North.
On Friday Otago are at home to Northland in Dunedin and the table-topping Wellington Lions host Counties Manukau in Wellington.
Saturday's early game is between Bay of Plenty and North Harbour in Mt Maunganui - followed by Hawke's Bay versus Southland in Napier and Canterbury against the defending champions, Auckland, in Christchurch.
The Sunday game has Tasman at home to Taranaki in Nelson.
We look at Week Three!
Thursday, August 14
Manawatu v Waikato
FMG Stadium, Palmerston North, 19.05 (07.05 GMT)
It has not been a great start to the tournament for Waikato, who find themselves at the bottom of the standings with just one bonus point from their two starts.
But the biggest sigh of relief this week probably came from Manawatu, after it was revealed that the Turbos have avoided the Air New Zealand Cup cull.
However, like the Mooloo Men, they are coming off a loss and will be looking for a much improved performance this week.
Waikato coach Tony Hanks admitted that his team has been well under par this season and needs to change gears.
"The team are extremely disappointed by the results of the past two weeks - in particular the Tasman game in front of home support," he said of the 14-16 loss in Hamilton last week.
"We're very motivated to get a win at Manawatu and let our loyal supporters know that we are working very hard. "
Manawatu, who were excellent against Canterbury in Round One to claim a famous win, were ordinary against Southland last week. Poor ball security and a heavy penalty count were the matters addressed at training this week.
Of their previous 21 encounters Waikato have won 16, with the Mooloo Men also posting the biggest win - a 37-point margin in a 52–15 victory in 1993.
Prediction: Waikato have to come out of their current slump at some stage and we think it will be this week. Waikato to win by 10 points.
Teams:
Manawatu: 15 Francisco Bosch, 14 Aaron James, 13 Johnny Leota, 12 Frank Bryant, 11 Andre Taylor, 10 Matty James, 9 Aaron Good, 8 Nick Crosswell, 7 Doug Tietjens, 6 Hamish Gosling, 5 Paul Rodgers, 4 Hayden Triggs (captain), 3 Talau Hala, 2 Sean O'Connor, 1 Grant Polson.
Replacements: 16 Rob Foreman, 17 David Te Moana, 18 Adaam Ross, 19 James Goode, 20 Aaron Smith, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Lote Raikabula.
Waikato: 15 Sosene Anesi, 14 Tim Mikkelson, 13 Dwayne Sweeney, 12 Jackson Willison, 11 Henry Speight, 10 Callum Bruce, 9 David Bason, 8 Liam Messam (captain), 7 Tom Harding, 6 Faifili Levave, 5 Kevin O'Neill, 4 Toby Lynn, 3 Aled de Malmanche, 2 Oli Avei, 1 Hikairo Forbes.
Replacements: 16 Craig West, 17 Josh Hohneck, 18 Kent Fife, 19 Matt Blain, 20 Josh Sutherland, 21 Trent Renata, 22 Roimata
Hansell-Pune.
Referee: Bryce Lawrence
TMO: Kelvin Deaker
Friday, August 15
Wellington Lions v Counties Manukau
Westpac Stadium, Wellington, 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Wellington is the only team on maximum points after the first two rounds and they have looked the part - scoring most tries, dominating territory and possession, making most line-breaks and most important killing teams in the second half.
However, the stats also show that the Lions lead the competition in handling errors, and are right up there for penalties and free kicks conceded.
There is no doubt they have the potential to blow the lowly Counties team away.
Counties Manukau have produced performances on both ends of the spectrum - very good in Week One when they beat Auckland and then shockingly poor in losing by more than 40 points to Bay of Plenty last week.
The Steelers need to reproduce the committed and aggressive form they showed in their win over Auckland.
Spoils are pretty even between the two teams, with their previous 25 meeting producing 13 Wellington wins and 10 for Counties Manukau. The Wellington Lions' 47–0 win in 2001 remains the biggest.
Prediction: Wellington are the form side and are no longer the powerhouse they once were. Expect a big Wellington win. The Lions by 15 points or more.
Teams:
Wellington: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Joe Hill, 13 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 12 Michael Hobbs, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Fa'atonu Fili, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Serge Lilo, 6 Victor Vito, 5 Api Naikatini, 4 Jeremy Thrush (captain), 3 Tim Fairbrother, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 Jacob Ellison.
Replacements: 16 Eugene Smith, 17 John Schwalger, 18 Chris Middleton or Scott Fuglistaller, 19 Chris Masoe, 20 Tomasi Palu, 21 Tu
Umaga-Marshall, 22 Buxton Popoali'i.
Counties Manukau: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Niva Ta'auso (captain), 12 Romi Ropati, 11 Siale Piutau, 10 Dean Cummins, 9 Kevin Farrell, 8 Fritz Lee, 7 DJ Forbes, 6 Viliame Fihaki, 5 Andrew Van der Heijden, 4 Jamie Chipman, 3 Jayden Murch, 2 Lance Po-Ching, 1 Simon Lemalu.
Replacements: 16 Cody Martin, 17 Robert Katu, 18 Rupeni Nasiga, 19 Gary Saifoloi, 20 Samisoni Fisilau, 21 Tanner Vili, 22 David Raikuna.
Referee: Kelvin Deaker
TMO: Brent Murray
Otago v Northland
Carisbrook, Dunedin, 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
No doubt the news that Northland will get the chop from the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup will add some extra spice to what already promises to be an extremely physical battle.
Northland knows they are up against it in Dunedin, but they are determined to stay among the candidates vying for one of the quarterfinal spots.
Coach Mark Anscombe and captain Justin Collins both spoke of the desire to replicate their Week One form, when defence earned them a deserved victory against Waikato.
Collins spoke of the need to be "patient" with the ball and not giving away soft tries.
"The thing with this competition every year is that it is based on consistency. To have an up-week then take a step backwards is disappointing. We don't want to get into that rut, we just need to make improvements each week," the captain said.
Anscombe spoke about the need to "learn" from last week's defeat against Hawke's Bay.
"We have a good performance [one week] and watch other games and we think we are there and we're not," the coach said.
History certainly favours Otago. who have won 29 of their previous 38 encounters and hold the record for the biggest win - 74 points in an 84–10 win in 1998.
Prediction: Not too many teams come away from Dunedin with wins and we think Northland will struggle mentally to overcome the news that they won't be in the competition next year. Otago to win by 10 points or more.
Teams:
Otago: 15 Glen Horton, 14 Lucky Mulipola, 13 Brett Mather, 12 Aaron Bancroft, 11 Karne Hesketh, 10 Daniel Bowden, 9 Toby Morland, 8 Steven Setephano, 7 Craig Newby (captain), 6 Seko Qaraniqio, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Ross Kennedy, 3 Ben Nolan, 2 Jason MacDonald, 1 Keith Cameron.
Replacements: 16 Peter Mirrielees, 17 Sam Hibbard/Jed Vercoe, 18 Paul Grant, 19 Eben Joubert, 20 Sean Romans, 21 Chris Noakes, 22 Ben Smith.
Northland: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Rene Ranger, 13 Aiden Dewes, 12 Leo Taliu, 11 Fetu Vainikolo, 10 David Holwell/Deek Carpenterr, 9 James Rodley, 8 John Cocker, 7 Joel McKenty, 6 Justin Collins (captain), 5 Marty Veale, 4 Daniel Goodwin, 3 Bronson Murray, 2 Francis
Smith, 1 Tony Coughlan.
Replacements: 16 Tyler Ashworth, 17 Justin Davies, 18 Roy Griffin, 19 Blair Urlich, 20 Kaino Kaino, 21 Derek Carpenter/Mike Davis, 22 Damien Fakafanua.
Referee: Lyndon Bray
TMO: Shane McDermott
Saturday, August 16
Bay of Plenty v North Harbour
Bay Park Stadium, Mt Maunganui, 14.35 (02.35 GMT)
The Bay of Plenty Steamers have a slogan that says 'Bay Proud'. And they have looked a proud team, being the only side other than Wellington to win both their opening matches - albeit getting a bonus point in only one.
However, it is still good enough to have them sitting pretty in second place on the standings and looking like a team set to make the play-offs again.
Steamers manager Sean Horan spoke this week of the team's ability to be more accurate than the opposition and taking every opportunity that was offered.
"The platform for success is built upon the loose forward trio of Solomon King, Tanerau Latimer and Colin Bourke," said Horan, who added that the Steamers' set pieces are also solid.
With a sound base in the basics of the game, the Steamers approach allow individual players to shine.
Sevens star Zar Lawrence, the Steamers' fullback, also gives the team real confidence on attack and defence.
Historically there is not much between the two sides - with their 22 previous encounters producing nine Bay of Plenty wins and 13 North Harbour victories. The biggest win belongs to North Harbour, by 33 in a 41–8 victory in 2005.
Prediction: Bay of Plenty have looked a class act and we expect them to continue their impressive early season form. The Steamers to win a tough game by 10 points.
Teams:
Bay of Plenty: 15 Zar Lawrence, 14 Lance MacDonald, 13 Cory
Aporo, 12 Nigel Hunt, 11 Jason Hona, 10 Mike Delany, 9 Jamie Nutbrown, 8 Colin Bourke, 7 Tanerau Latimer (captain), 6 Solomon King, 5 Culum Retallick, 4 John Moore, 3 James McGougan, 2 Dean Elmiger, 1 Joe Savage.
Replacements: 16 Ray Brown, 17 Arden David-Perrot, 18 Aidan Kuka, 19 Luke Braid, 20 Kelly Haimona, 21 Paula Asaeli, 22 Teu Nafe.
North Harbour: 15 Hayden Abercrombie, 14 Viliame Waqaseduadua, 13 Nafi Tuitavake, 12 Mike Harris, 11 Josh York, 10 Jimmy Gopperth (captain), 9 Chris Smylie, 8 Viliame Maafu, 7 Robbie Colhoun, 6 Tom Chamberlain, 5 Martin Purdy, 4 Chris Smith, 3 Michael Reid , 2 James Hinchco, 1 James Afoa.
Replacements: 16 James Parsons, 17 Sam Biddles, 18 Richard Mayhew, 19 Malakai Ravulo, 20 Matt France, 21 Jon Elrick, 22 Jerome Smith.
Referee: Keith Brown
TMO: Ben Skeen
Hawke's Bay v Southland
McLean Park,
Napier, 17.30 (05.30 GMT)
Two things happened this week that made the Southland Stags realise they need to raise the bar. They saw their cousins Northland cut from next year's competition - a reality check according to Southland boss Roger Clark and the Stags also revisited last week's 'ugly' win over Manawatu.
Clark made it clear that the brainstrust in Invercargill know that the game should be improved at all levels, including the professional team - the Stags.
That is why they have talked about the need for "major improvements" if they hope to take the scalp of Hawke's Bay in Napier on Saturday.
Co-coach Simon Culhane out that any win in a competition that is turning into an even scrap must be treated in high regard.
However, he also spoke of the need to "keep a hold of the ball" in order to secure better quality victories.
The Hawke's Bay Magpies bounced back from their First Round loss to post an impressive win over Northland last week and they will be looking to replicate the performance that saw them edge clear in an 11-try thriller.
However, they will be concerned about their defence - having leaked five tries.
These two sides have a long history - 44 encounters since 1902 Southland have a slight edge with 24 wins to the 19 of Hawke's Bay. Southland also have the biggest winning margin - 34 in a 46–12 win in 2002.
Prediction: It won't be easy and the Stags will indeed have to raise their game considerably if they hope to win this one. We suspect that the Magpies will 'eat' the Stags. Hawke's Bay to win a close encounter by less than 10 points.
Teams:
Hawke's Bay: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Jason Kupa, 13 Jason Shoemark, 12 Daniel Waenga, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Matt Berquist, 9 Danny Lee (captain), 8 George Naoupu, 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Michael Johnson, 5 Bryn Evans, 4 Matt Egan, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2
Hikawera Elliot, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Josh Keys, 18 Johan Snyman, 19 Adam Bradey, 20 Chris Eaton, 21 Sam Giddens, 22 Mark Jackman.
Southland: 15 Mark Wells, 14 Matt Saunders, 13 Kendrick Lynn, 12 Jason Kawau, 11 Pehi Te Whare, 10 Blair Stewart, 9 Scott Cowan, 8 Hua Tamariki, 7 Tim Boys, 6 Dion Bates, 5 Hoani Macdonald, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Chris King, 2 David Hall, 1 Jamie Mackintosh (captain).
Replacements: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Fai Mika, 18 Daniel Ramsay, 19 John Hardie, 20 Dane Shelford, 21 Willie Rickards, 22 Robbie Robinson.
Referee: Steve Walsh
TMO: Glenn Newman
Canterbury v Auckland
AMI Stadium, Christchurch, 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Without doubt the match of the weekend - a classic showdown between two of the powerhouses of New Zealand - but most of all the traditional North-South derby.
Both teams would have been disappointed at having lost their opening matches, but they both bounced back in Week Two.
That sets this week's showdown up nicely.
Canterbury captain Kieran Read spoke of the need to take in up another level this week and to further improve their accuracy.
While the win over Otago in Dunedin was not the perfect dress rehearsal for Canterbury ahead of their home match against Auckland, it was still a vast improvement and the Cantabrians are happy that they took a step in the right direction.
Read spoke of a "must-win" game for the red and blacks, but added that he was pleased with the progress they are making.
Auckland coach Pat Lam and captain Ben Atiga spoke of the need for a "collective team effort" in Christchurch as their young side attempt to take it to the next level.
Lam said the players now know "what it really means to play in the [Auckland] jersey".
However, this week they need to "finish off" more of their opportunities and again "front up".
Atiga said last week's win was the result of how well they trained, but added that it was a matter of making it happen on the day.
The history between these two sides go back to 1883, with 86 encounters - of which Auckland have won 46 and Canterbury 35. Canterbury have the biggest win - 39 in a 42–3 victory that goes back to 1973.
Prediction: It could be a classic - a good old-fashioned arm-wrestle which is likely to go the way of the home team. Canterbury to sneak a thriller and win by less than 10 points.
Teams:
Canterbury: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Scott Hamilton, 13 Adam Whitelock, 12 Tim Bateman, 11 James Paterson, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Tyson Keats, 8 Mose Tuiali'i, 7 Hayden Hopgood, 6 Kieran Read (captain), 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Michael Paterson, 3 Campbell Johnstone, 2 Ti'i Paulo, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Steve Fualau, 17 Owen Franks, 18 Nasi Manu, 19 George Whitelock, 20 Steve Alfeld, 21 Ryan Crotty, 22 Kosuke Endo.
Auckland: 15 Jamie Helleur, 14 Jarek Goebel, 13 Winston Stanley, 12 Ben Atiga, 11 David Smith, 10 Lachie Munro, 9 Brenton Helleur, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Kurtis Haiu, 5 Jay Williams, 4 Stanley Haukinima, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Tom McCartney, 1 Paea Fa'anunu.
Replacements: 16 Pauliasi Manu, 17 Nick White, 18 Dean Budd, 19 Onosa'i Auva'a, 20 Grayson Hart/Junior Poluleuligaga, 21 Ash Moeke, 22 Mapa Tuipulotu.
Referee: Chris Pollock
TMO: Josh Noonan
Sunday, August 17
Tasman v Taranaki
Trafalgar Park, Nelson, 14.35 (02.35 GMT)
There was very little talk of Sunday's game in the Nelson and Marlborough region this past week. In fact since Monday all the talk has been about the Tasman Makos' axing from next year's Air New Zealand Cup competition.
Makos coach Todd Blackadder described it as one of the lowest episodes in his career.
"It's just a bloody tragedy really, isn't it?" Blackadder told the Nelson Mail. "I just think it's a tragedy for this region. It's a tragedy for young players and for all the aspiration that's out there."
Blackadder feared the decision would spark a mass exodus as players sought better opportunities elsewhere.
"If any of these guys have an aspiration to play at a higher level than Heartland rugby then they're going to have to move away, aren't they? We could be talking about 20 to 30 players and that to me is the sad part of it all."
He said it was an unnecessary distraction for the players ahead of Sunday's Third Round clash with Taranaki.
"We're getting told the third week into this competition that we're not going to be there next season - that alone is a distraction. The players will have a lot on their minds - where is their future? Where is their career going to be?"
But he said he wouldn't be using it as motivation.
"I don't think a lot of good comes out of negative motivation and we've got a really good team here. We've got really good people here and we just need to keep our pride and our dignity. That's something they'll never be able to take away from us."
Former Hawke's Bay lock Will Crutchley, in his first season for the Makos, said the decision had galvanised the players for the remaining games.
"All the boys have decided that we've pretty much just got to play for each other and play for the province and just do the best we can on the field - make the most of it."
Whether that happens remains to be seen.
We only have to wait till Sunday.
The two teams have met three times since Tasman's birth in 2006 and Taranaki have won all three encounters. Taranaki's biggest win was by 25 points (42–17) in 2006.
Prediction: Expect the Makos to be as flat as a pancake for the rest of the season. Taranaki to win by plenty - 15 points or more.
Teams:
Tasman: 15 Robbie Malneek, 14 Blair Cook, 13 Andrew Goodman (captain), 12 Joel Iggo, 11 Kade Poki/Steve Sasagi, 10 Miah Nikora/James Marshall, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 Brent Bright, 7 Jonathan Poff, 6 Glen Gregory, 5 Joe Wheeler, 4 Will Crutchley, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Dan Perrin, 1 Ben May.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Tristan Moran, 18 Steve Jackson, 19 Dan Hyatt, 20 Lua Vailoaloa, 21 Marshall/James Foote, 22 Mike Pehi.
Taranaki: 15 Asalemo Malo, 14 Paul Perez, 13 Nathan Hohaia, 12 Jonathan Spratt, 11 Shayne Austin, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Brett Goodin, 8 Taiasina Tuifua, 7 Scott Waldrom, 6 Alex Tulou, 5 Craig Clarke, 4 Jason Eaton, 3 Shane Cleaver, 2 James Annabell, 1 Tony Penn (captain).
Replacements: 16 Carl Carmichael, 17 Hamish Mitchell, 18 Leon Power, 19 Nemia Soqeta, 20 Brendan Haami, 21 Corey Niwa, 22 Jack Cameron.
Referee: Garratt Williamson
TMO: Kane McBride
