Manawatu’s final home game of the season should make for an entertaining night, if the weather permits it.
WALKING WOUNDED: Manawatu appeared to come away from last week’s wet weather encounter against Taranaki relatively unscathed but could opt for tactical changes when their team is eventually announced.
Meanwhile, Derren Whitcombe has made five personnel changes to his starting lineup. Robbie Abel and Bronson Murray enter the front row at hooker and tighthead respectively, while blindside Roy Griffin completes the changes in the forward pack.
Sonatane Takulua takes over from Mac Sykes at halfback while Mateo Malupo moves onto the left wing vacated by Rene Ranger, who has returned to his preferred centre spot.
FORM: Manawatu are just two points outside the top four but will also need to defeat Tasman next week if they are to sneak in at the eleventh hour.
Last week’s 12-6 win against Taranaki was hardly gut-wrenching stuff but the confidence gained on that stormy night at FMG Stadium cannot be underestimated.
After conceding just a pair of penalty goals, coach Jason O’Halloran will certainly be pleased with the defence his side employed after being belted 72-7 by Canterbury three days prior.
There wouldn’t have been many positives to talk about after Northland wasted its chances against Tasman.
In front of their home crowd the sky blue jumpers made short gains on attack but received an epic fail mark for their efforts in defence, support play and ball security.
Those lessons will need to have inspired some action this week as the union attempts to end the season with five consecutive defeats.
|
|
MANAWATU v NORTHLAND Friday 4 October, 7.35pm at FMG Stadium, Palmerston NorthPlayed: 27, 1952-2012 Manawatu wins: 8 | Northland wins: 17 | Draws: 2 Last match: Manawatu 33 Northland 20, 05.09.12 in Whangarei (ITMC) |
WE THINK: Northland could be sitting a lot higher than its current position at last place on the championship standings.
The Taniwha will look back on the minor mishaps that cost them dearly in what was shaping up to be a promising year.
Rene Ranger has been effective when not getting cold out on the wing, while ‘star recruit’ Rupeni Caucaunibuca hasn’t proved that he’s even remotely serious about returning to his best form.
Three changes to the forward pack suggests Northland have identified that as an area of weakness against Tasman, and rightly so.
Manawatu, will have a much more positive report card when all is done and dusted. Despite winning just three from eight so far, the Turbos have given rugby aficionados some moments to remember.
Their willingness to work for 80 minutes is growing, while the emergence of a number of exciting prospects such as Jade Te Rure and Papa Wharewera offer hope for the future.
In a fairly even contest, we think the bucket heads in Palmerston North should give the Turbos an extra boost to grind out a win.
Manawatu by nine.
TEAMS:
Manawatu: 1 Chris Eves 2 Rob Foreman 3 Ma’afu Fia 4 Nick Crosswell 5 Michael FitzGerald 6 Heiden Bedwell-Curtis 7 Callum Gibbins 8 James Oliver 9 Nic Stizaker 10 Jade Te Rure 11 Newton Tudreu 12 Tevita Taufu’i 13 Jason Emery 14 Leroy Van dam 15 Lewis Marshall
Reserves :16 Bryn Templeman 17 Jared Brock 18 Dan Squire 19 Antonio Kiri Kiri 20 Papa Wharewera 21 Hamish Northcott22 Willie Paia’aua
Northland: 1. Ross Wright, 2. Robbie Abel, 3. Bronson Murray, 4. Tom Murday, 5. Bryce Williams, 6. Roy Griffin, 7. Dan Pryor, 8. Jake Paringatai, 9. Sonatane Takulua, 10. Daniel Hawkins, 11. Mateo Malupo, 12. Viliami Tahitu’a, 13. Rene Ranger (c), 14. Whiria Meltzer, 15. Mathew Wright.
Reserves: 16. Matt Moulds, 17. Will-Griff John, 18. Dave Morgan, 19. Ben Berridge, 20. Mac Sykes, 21. Ben Seymour, 22. Derek Carpenter.
10% Discount at PlayersRugby , off the Normal RRP
by entering the code “rugbyredefined“
rugbyredefined.wordpress.com 