Otago v Canterbury

[cyRil]

A pretty close game made less so in the last few minutes by a wonderful try from Cantabs full back Tom Taylor.
Anyone watching/gone to this one? Who's got the lo-down on this guy? He looks a pretty strong and determined runner at the very least!

[TRF_Darwin]

Just got back from the game. A pretty good game really, but I don't think the final score reflected how close the game was. Otago actually created more opportunities than Canterbury, but just weren't clinical enough. There was a really good crowd, and the new stadium is pretty incredible.

Tom Taylor is the son of former All Blacks second-five Warrick Taylor (who was part of the team that won the 1987 RWC). He's a very talented young player - was in the under 20's a couple of years ago. He's usually plays more as a 12 or 10 - this is the first time I've seen him play fullback. He's a very handy goal-kickers too - I don't think he's signed a Super Rugby contract with anyone yet, but I expect someone will sign him, as he's been consistently good during the ITM Cup.

[Seaton]

The stadium looks awesome, pity Otago didn't win in their first game their. Led (sp.) for a large portion of the match, did well but just undone in the final few minutes.

How big was the crowd Darwin?

[Shaggy]

Just got back from the game. A pretty good game really, but I don't think the final score reflected how close the game was. Otago actually created more opportunities than Canterbury, but just weren't clinical enough. There was a really good crowd, and the new stadium is pretty incredible.

Tom Taylor is the son of former All Blacks second-five Warrick Taylor (who was part of the team that won the 1987 RWC). He's a very talented young player - was in the under 20's a couple of years ago. He's usually plays more as a 12 or 10 - this is the first time I've seen him play fullback. He's a very handy goal-kickers too - I don't think he's signed a Super Rugby contract with anyone yet, but I expect someone will sign him, as he's been consistently good during the ITM Cup.

Also, his uncle Murray was also an All Black first and second five, from 1976 -1980, so he's definitely got rugby pedigree in both positions that he plays.

Canterbury seem to have depth in the first five position, so it wouldn't be a great surprise to see him or Blyendaal move at some stage

[TRF_Darwin]

The stadium looks awesome, pity Otago didn't win in their first game their. Led (sp.) for a large portion of the match, did well but just undone in the final few minutes.

How big was the crowd Darwin?

Apparently just over 14,000. It seemed even bigger though, as the noise inside the stadium was incredible... Can't wait to see what the atmosphere is like when the stadium gets packed for the England v Argentina RWC match (it's not sold out yet, but it is expected to be).

[Black Heart]

Apparently just over 14,000. It seemed even bigger though, as the noise inside the stadium was incredible... Can't wait to see what the atmosphere is like when the stadium gets packed for the England v Argentina RWC match (it's not sold out yet, but it is expected to be).

What did the state of the turf look like from a bystanding perspective?

[TRF_Darwin]

What did the state of the turf look like from a bystanding perspective?

Looked in great condition to me - I didn't notice anyone having problems with their footing. It will be interesting to see how it holds up with another match (Otago v Manawatu) on Tuesday.

[Seaton]

See Glasgow just signed Rob Verbakel, haven't seen a lot of Otago matches, what can you boys tell me about him? Can't say I remember the names.

[TRF_Darwin]

See Glasgow just signed Rob Verbakel, haven't seen a lot of Otago matches, what can you boys tell me about him? Can't say I remember the names.

I hadn't heard that Rob has signed with Glasgow - great news for him. I can actually tell you quite a bit about him, as my younger brother went to school and played a lot of basketball with him. I don't think Rob played rugby at all before he left school; he was a very promising basketballer (he played for Otago as a 19 year-old), but when he moved to Christchurch for uni he took up rugby. It's taken him a few years to break into the Canterbury team (which he did last year), and he moved down and played a season with Otago this year.

He looks like he is still learning as a rugby player - probably because he hasn't been playing since he was 4 years old like most New Zealand rugby players! He seems a little unsure as to what to do at the breakdown at times, and probably lacks a bit of physicality. He's perhaps a wee bit undersized for a lock (he's about 1.95m), but is very athletic, so is good in the lineout despite not being as tall as many locks. He certainly gets around he field well, and seems to have a big work-rate. He's probably not a finished product yet; I expect he still has a bit of improvement to make, but he certainly seems to have all the tools to be a quality lock.

[Jabby]

I would agree with all that

I hd never heard of him before this year and have been very happy with him. he has stuff to work on but dont think he has ever look too far out of his depth

score a try on debut i think? darwin? came on as a replacement in the first game

good buy i would say

[TRF_Darwin]

I would agree with all that

I hd never heard of him before this year and have been very happy with him. he has stuff to work on but dont think he has ever look too far out of his depth

score a try on debut i think? darwin? came on as a replacement in the first game

good buy i would say

Yep I remember that too.... it was against North Harbour, and was the last play of the match if I remember correctly.

[Jabby]

thats right. hell of a way to introduce your self to a new region