Preview: Air NZ Cup, Round Six
Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:12
It is a long way to go in the Air New Zealand Cup competition, even though some of the big guns are beginning to make their moves, but the focus this weekend will shift back to the Ranfurly Shield - which appears to be sitting pretty firmly in the grasp of Auckland.
This week it is Southland's turn to arrive at Eden Park full of hope, trying to take away the Log o' Wood from the most successful team in a century of Shield Challenges.
While Auckland's current tenure is just five matches long - they won it from Canterbury at the end of 2007 and have defended it four times since - Auckland holds the record for the two longest runs as Shield holders. They had 61 successful defences from 1985 to 1993 and the second longest run was 25 defences from 1960 to 1963.
But the rest of the weekend's action also hold plenty of promise and remain very important in the overall scheme of things, as the teams continue to jostle for play-off places.
We look at all the Week Six action.
Thursday, September 4:
Hawke's Bay v Taranaki
McLean Park, Napier, 19.05 (07.05 GMT)
This is traditionally a tight and low-scoring affair, with two rugged packs battling away for supremacy. Defence is always at a premium.
However, Hawke's Bay are looking to continue their push for a play-off place and appears to be the team with the most to lose.
After an average start, the Magpies, the fairy tale story of last year's competition with their unexpected run to the semifinals, look to be hitting their straps with two successive wins.
Coach Peter Russell made it clear that his team is determined to repeat last year's efforts.
"We've set ourselves some good standards over the last couple of weeks and we want to keep that going," he said.
"We started off pretty slowly and now we're gaining a bit of momentum. But we also have to make sure we have our feet on the ground for Taranaki."
The two teams have met 44 in more than a 100 years, a lot less than some other rivals in New Zealand's domestic scene, with Taranaki's 25 victories giving them a statistical edge. Taranaki also have the biggest winning margin, 32 points.
Prediction: Hawke's Bay have it all to lose and at home they should have too much clout for an inconsistent Taranaki outfit. Hawke's Bay to win by 10 points or more.
Teams:
Hawke's Bay: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Jason Kupa, 13 Jason Shoemark, 12 Sam Giddens, 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 Faka'anaua Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Josh Keys, 18 Johan Snyman, 19 Adam Bradey, 20 Chris Eaton, 21 Daniel Waenga, 22 Mark Jackman.
Taranaki:
15 Asalemo Malo, 14 Nathan Hohaia, 13 Jonathan Spratt, 12 Jayden Hayward, 11 Shayne Austin, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Brett Goodin, 8 Taiasina Tuifua, 7 Scott Waldrom, 6 Chris Walker, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Hamish Mitchell, 2 Laurence Corlett, 1 Tony Penn (captain).
Replacements: 16 James Annabell, 17 Shane Cleaver, 18 Tom Ryder, 19 Nemia Soqeta, 20 Brendan Haami, 21 Corey Niwa, 22 Jack Cameron.
Referee: Chris Pollock
TMO: Kelvin Deaker
Friday, September 5:
Bay Of Plenty v Otago
Bay Park Stadium, Mt Maunganui, 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
The Bay of Plenty Steamers, despite losing their unbeaten record to the table topping Wellington Lions last week, are still sitting pretty in third place on the standings.
While the defeat is not a train smash. what will concern them is the margin of defeat. At least they know that Otago travel north on the back of a defeat as well.
At least the Steamers are at home and with their slogan of 'Bay Proud' they will look to a large band of passionate Steamers supporters at Baypark to help them repel the Otago challenge.
Steamers Manager Sean Horan is confident the team will be able to lean on its strengths and bounce back.
"The strengths of the Steamers this season, are the players resolve to step up when it counts, and to take ownership of their own individual performances," Horan said.
"The feeling within the team is of a very focused unit that are playing with a huge amount of confidence and self-belief."
The teams have met 28 times since 1938 and Otago hold sway with 20 victories - including the biggest margin, 47-point win (62–15) in 2001.
Prediction: Bay Park will be awash with yellow and blue and it is sure to get the Steamers back on the winning path. Bay of Plenty to win by 15 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 John Pareanga, 1 Joe Savage.
Replacements: 16 Dean Elmiger, 17 Matt Wallis, 18 Aidan Kuka, 19 Luke Braid, 20 Kelly Haimona, 21 Paula Asaeli, 22 Toby Arnold.
Otago: 15 Glen Horton, 14 Lucky Mulipola, 13 Aaron Bancroft, 12 Daniel Bowden, 11 Ben Smith, 10 Chris Noakes, 9 Toby Morland, 8 Steven Setephano, 7 Craig Newby (captain), 6 Seko Qaraniqio, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Ross Kennedy, 3 Ben Nolan, 2 Peter Mirrielees, 1 Keith Cameron.
Replacements: 16 Jason MacDonald, 17 Jed Vercoe, 18 Paul Grant, 19 Eben Joubert, 20 Sean Romans, 21 Dan Snee, 22 Karne Hesketh.
Referee: Vinny Munro
TMO: Ben Skeen
Manawatu v Wellington
FMG Stadium, Palmerston North, 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
It looks like Palmerston North may again strike it lucky, with a healthy long range weather forecast for the Manawatu Turbos' game against the Wellington Lions suggesting spring may indeed have arrived.
However, Manawatu will have to turn up the heat substantially to be competitive against a rampant and clinical Wellington outfit.
Manawatu's winless streak has been extended to four games, losing to North Harbour, last week.
While Manawatu captain Josh Bradnock described it as "a game of missed opportunities", it does not take a brain surgeon to realise the Turbos are way off the pace being set by the unbeaten Lions.
There is a refreshing touch brought to the Lions by new coaches Jamie Joseph and Andre Bell, playing differently to the Wellington sides in the past and using a lot of width.
And the conditions in Palmerston North will suit this approach, as they will revel in the chance to play on a dry surface.
The teams have met 63 times since 1887, with Wellington well ahead on 46 wins - with their 66-point margin (69–3 in 1990) also be biggest win.
Prediction: It may well be one-way traffic and it is possible the Wellington Lions could win by 20 points or more.
Teams:
Manawatu: 15 Kurt Bake, 14 Lote Raikabula, 13 Johnny Leota, 12 Francis Bryant, 11 Andre Taylor, 10 Matty James, 9 Aaron Good, 8 Hamish Gosling, 7 Josh Bradnock/Doug Tietjens (captain), 6 Nick Crosswell, 5 James Goode, 4 Hayden Triggs, 3 David Te Moana, 2 Rob Foreman, 1 Grant Polson.
Replacements: 16 Sean O'Connor, 17 Talau Hala, 18 Paul Rodgers, 19 Doug Tietjens/Mitchell Crosswell, 20 Issac Thompson, 21 Aaron James, 22 Francisco Bosch.
Wellington Lions: 15 Cory
Jane, 14 Tu Umaga-Marshall, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Michael Hobbs, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Serge Lilo, 6 Chris Masoe, 5 Api Naikatini, 4 Jeremy Thrush (captain), 3 Tim Fairbrother, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 John Schwalger.
Replacements: 16 Eugene Smith, 17 Arden David, 18 Ross Filipo, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Scott Fuglistaller, 21 Tomasi Palu, 22 Fa'atonu Fili.
Referee: Steve Walsh
Television match official: Chris Pollock
Saturday, September 6:
Auckland v Southland (Ranfurly Shield)
Eden Park, Auckland, 14.35 (02.35 GMT)
Given Auckland's improved form - not much, but still improved - and the fact that it is decades since Southland beat the Aucklanders (eight decades since the last win in Auckland, four since their last triumph anywhere), there is no doubt the Shield looks set to stay on the North Island for a while longer.
However, Southland fullback Mark Wells is one player who knows what it feels like to hold the Ranfurly Shield. Wells' solitary representative outing for his former province Canterbury was in a Shield defence against Marlborough in 2005 - and game the red and blacks won 67-3.
Now he gets to have another go at the Log o' Wood at Eden Park on Saturday.
If you believe the South Islanders, they are not buying into the Shield hype.
"We haven't said a lot about it. Everyone knows how special it is," Wells told the Southland Times.
"The first thing one of the boys said to me on Monday was that it was 1939 the last time Southland beat Auckland [at Eden Park]."
Despite their protestations to the contrary, the Southland players would give everything to take New Zealand's longest standing domestic trophy home with them on the flight on Sunday.
The two teams have met 48 times since 1903 and Auckland dominates with 39 wins. Then there is also a 71-point margin (78–7 in 1990) as the biggest win by Auckland.
Prediction: Southland will make a good fist of it, and they do indeed have a shot at making Shield history, but we feel Auckland will sneak it with a win of 10 points or less.
Teams:
Auckland: 15 Jamie Helleur, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Ben Atiga (captain), 12 Benson Stanley, 11 David Smith, 10 Lachie Munro, 9 Taniela Moa, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Kurtis Haiu, 5 Jay Williams, 4 Chris Lowrey, 3 Nick White, 2 Tom McCartney, 1 Paea Fa’anunu.
Replacements: 16 Pauliasi Manu, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Dean Budd, 19 Onosa'i Auva'a, 20 Grayson Hart, 21 Winston Stanley, 22 Watisoni Lotawa.
Southland: 15 Mark Wells, 14 Matt Saunders, 13 Kendrick Lynn, 12 Jason Kawau, 11 Pehi Te Whare, 10 Blair Stewart, 9 Dane Shelford, 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 Matt Holloway, 20 Scott Cowan, 21 Willie Rickards, 22 Robbie Robinson.
Referee: Kelvin Deaker
Touch judges: Steve Walsh, Chris Pollock
TMO: Brent Murray
Northland v Tasman
Okara Park, Whangarei, 17.30 (05.30 GMT)
We could be cynical and call this the 'battle of the losers'. Both teams have been big losers off the field this season, having been told at the start of the tournament that they are the provinces being culled when the air NZ Cup is reduced from 14 to 12 next year.
The decision has been met with strong condemnation from both outfits, with all sorts of planning and campaigning off the field dominating the teams' performances on the playing surface.
Northland have threatened court action and roped in former All Blacks to lend weight to their claims for survival. Tasman have been similarly vocal.
But it is on the field where these two sides can make their biggest statements and they simply haven't.
Tasman coach Todd Blackadder has made it clear that his team is not producing the standards he would expect of a side pushing for a stay of execution.
"We're making hard work of this aren't we?" said Blackadder.
"I think at the contact ...we just don't get into position to play the ball. When we do go into contact, we give it up too easily."
Blackadder says he wants his team to be "more clinical".
They have played each other just twice - Tasman's short existence accounts for that - and have one win each. Tasman's 56-15 win in 2006 is the biggest.
Prediction: This is a tough one to call, because you don't really know which team is most desperate. We'll go the easy way out and call it a home win - Northland by 10 points.
Teams:
Northland: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Damian Fakafanua, 13 Rene Ranger, 12 Derek Carpenter, 11 Fetu Vainikolo, 10 David Holwell, 9 James Rodley, 8 Justin Collins (captain), 7 Hamish Patterson, 6 Joel McKenty, 5 Marty Veale, 4 Roy Griffin, 3 Tevita Mailau, 2 Francis Smith, 1 Tony Coughlan.
Replacements: 16 Tyler Ashworth, 17 Ross Wright/Jason Hammond, 18 Daniel Goodwin, 19 John Cocker, 20 Brenton Helleur, 21 Ash Moeke, 22 Aden Dewes.
Tasman: 15 Robbie Malneek, 14 Mike Pehi, 13 Kade Poki, 12 Andrew Goodman (captain), 11 Blair Cook, 10 Miah Nikora, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 Mark Bright, 7 Jonathan Poff, 6 Joe Wheeler, 5 Will Crutchley, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Dan Perrin, 1 Ben May.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Tristan Moran, 18 Jack Lam, 19 Karl Leary, 20 Lua Vailoaloa, 21 James Marshall, 22 Joel
Iggo.
Referee: Matt Stanish
TMO: Ben Skeen
North Harbour v Canterbury
North Harbour Stadium, Albany, 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Canterbury, after a slow start, has picked up the pace and are now second on the Air New Zealand Cup points table. Some will say deservedly so. But those voices will all come from Christchurch.
The only muttering coming from the Canterbury camp is that they are back playing night rugby, after a very successful afternoon game - in which they beat Tasman 44-15.
And the players make no secret of their preference for day-time games.
"It certainly makes a nice change from night rugby. Everyone loves it and it's always an advantage in terms of bonus points, because you're more likely to score four tries in the afternoon than you are at night time," All Black Scott Hamilton told The Press newspaper.
But Canterbury are not going discard their expansive approach, even though they are back to night games.
Canterbury certainly hold the statistical edge - having won 12 of their 20 encounters with North Harbour, while their 65-10 win in 2002 is the biggest victory margin.
Prediction: It is difficult to see North Harbour stealing a win, but they will sure make a fist of it. We expect Canterbury to win by 10 to 15 points.
Teams:
North Harbour: 15 Hayden Abercrombie, 14 Jack McPhee, 13 Mike Harris, 12 Jon Elrick, 11 Nafi Tuitavake, 10 Jimmy Gopperth (captain), 9 Chris Smylie, 8 Viliame Maafu, 7 Malakai Ravulo, 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 Robbie Colhoun, 20 Matt France, 21 Josh York, 22 Jona Tuitoga.
Canterbury: 15 Colin Slade, 14 Scott Hamilton, 13
Adam Whitelock, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Paul Williams, 10 Stephen Brett, 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 Tim Bateman, 22 James Paterson.
Referee: Garratt Williamson
TMO: Vinny Munro
Sunday, September 7:
Waikato v Counties Manukau
Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, 14.35 (02.35 GMT)
Waikato finally pulled of their first win of the season when they beat the defending champions, Auckland, in an adrenaline-charged encounter in Hamilton last week.
And it is that same intensity they hope to take into this week's encounter with Counties Manukau.
"It's just all about attitude," Liam Messam, captain of the Mooloo Men, told the Waikato Times.
Even head coach Tony Hanks admitted his team had lacked "commitment and intensity" in the first four weeks - which produced three defeats and a draw.
"I think you saw a team that played with some desperation and that started to build into confidence. Hopefully that's something we can continue to build on. Like Liam [Messam] said, we've set a level now to take forward."
North Harbour also come of a much-needed win and they too will be looking to reproduce the quality of that game against a charged-up Waikato outfit.
But travelling to Hamilton is never easy.
The two teams have met 53 times since 1955 and Waikato has a clear advantage with 33 wins - including the biggest margin, a 67–0 win in 1989.
Prediction: The Mooloo bells will be ringing with joy in Sunday as Waikato steal a win - by less than 10 points.
Teams:
Waikato: 15
Sosene Anesi, 14 James Kamana, 13 Dwayne Sweeney, 12 Callum Bruce, 11 Tim Mikkelson, 10 Trent Renata, 9 Josh Sutherland, 8 Faifili Levave, 7 Matt Blain, 6 Liam Messam (captain), 5 Kent Fife, 4 Toby Lynn, 3 Toby Smith, 2 Ole Avei, 1 Aled de Malmanche.
Replacements: 16 Vern Kamo, 17 Josh Hohneck, 18 Kevin O'Neill, 19 Jordan Smiler, 20 Tom Harding, 21 David Bason, 22 Roimata Hansell-Pune.
Counties Manukau: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Niva Ta'auso, 12 Tasesa Lavea (captain), 11 Siale Piutau, 10 Tanner Vili, 9 Samisoni Fisilau, 8 Fritz Lee, 7 DJ Forbes, 6 Rupeni Nasiga, 5 Andrew Van der Heijden, 4 Jamie Chipman, 3 Tuaefe Palelei, 2 Lance Po-ching, 1 Simon Lemalu/Jayden Murch.
Replacements: 16 Ilaisa Maasi, 17 Simon Lemalu/Jayden Murch, 18 Viliami Fihaki, 19 Gary Saifoloi/Mark Selwyn, 20 Kevin Farrell, 21 Sherwin Stowers/David Raikuna, 22 Romi Ropati
Referee: Brent Murray
TMO: Steve Walsh
