Menu
Forums
New posts
Search forums
What's new
New posts
Latest activity
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles and first posts only
Search titles only
By:
New posts
Search forums
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Help Support The Rugby Forum :
Forums
Rugby Union
Mitre 10 Cup
[2013 ITM Cup] Championship Final: Tasman v Hawke's Bay
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Darwin" data-source="post: 600953" data-attributes="member: 24910"><p>Looking forward to this match.</p><p></p><p>Tasman will deservedly start as firm favourites, as they have been consistently the best team in the Championship all season.</p><p></p><p>The front-rows look pretty even, but I do think Hawkes Bay have better front-row replacements (Ged Robinson is a starting Super Rugby player!). Likewise I think the locks are pretty even. Ainley and Wheeler are more experienced (and playing well), but both Allardice and Abbot have had superb debut seasons.</p><p></p><p>There are some great match-ups in the loose-forwards. Both sides are starting two opensides so the breakdown battle will be intriguing. Squire has been outstanding for Tasman this season - I'm looking forward to seeing him in a Chiefs jersey next year. Hawkes Bay possible have the advantage in impact off the bench again though - Boswell showed his pace against Otago last week, while Atkins is probably unlucky not be starting, as he is a real threat with ball in hand.</p><p></p><p>Hawkes Bay have the advantage at halfback, with Mathewson in strong form (and a handy backup on the bench in the form of Chris Eaton). Billy Guyton has done well for Tasman at halfback though - especially considering I don't think he has that much experience in the position (he is listed as a midfield back, and played the last few seasons for North Otago at 12). The first-five battle will be intriguing. Both players has had great seasons, with Banks earning a Hurricanes contract ahead of West. They are different types of players - West is electric with ball in hand, but Banks controls the game better, and is the better goal-kicker (which may be crucial if it is a close match).</p><p></p><p>If Horrell is fit I think the midfield is pretty even. Marshall has been Tasman's best player this season playing at 12, and will be a massive threat with his pace and footwork. Fonotia is a bit limited, but has plenty of size, and runs straight and hard. Horrell will be a key player for Hawkes Bay (if fit) as he has a variety of kicking, running, and passing skills which can bring a different dimension to the Hawkes Bay attack. Buckman has played consistently well at centre too - I'm surprised he hasn't yet been offered a Super Rugby contract this season (his defense has really impressed me).</p><p></p><p>Both sides have plenty of pace out wide, though it is interesting to see both have opted to play wings at fullback. I thought Guildford looked lost at times for Hawkes Bay last week - he looked to run the ball back far too often and Otago were often able to turn the ball over (which helped keep Otago in the game). He is at his best when running hard onto the ball - when he time to think he seems to make the wrong decision! I'm sure Tasman will look to kick deep and test his decision making...</p><p></p><p>On paper I think the teams are pretty evenly matched (Hawkes Bay may even have a slight edge..), but Tasman are at home, and have played much better as a team this season. I'm picking them to win by around 10 points.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Darwin, post: 600953, member: 24910"] Looking forward to this match. Tasman will deservedly start as firm favourites, as they have been consistently the best team in the Championship all season. The front-rows look pretty even, but I do think Hawkes Bay have better front-row replacements (Ged Robinson is a starting Super Rugby player!). Likewise I think the locks are pretty even. Ainley and Wheeler are more experienced (and playing well), but both Allardice and Abbot have had superb debut seasons. There are some great match-ups in the loose-forwards. Both sides are starting two opensides so the breakdown battle will be intriguing. Squire has been outstanding for Tasman this season - I'm looking forward to seeing him in a Chiefs jersey next year. Hawkes Bay possible have the advantage in impact off the bench again though - Boswell showed his pace against Otago last week, while Atkins is probably unlucky not be starting, as he is a real threat with ball in hand. Hawkes Bay have the advantage at halfback, with Mathewson in strong form (and a handy backup on the bench in the form of Chris Eaton). Billy Guyton has done well for Tasman at halfback though - especially considering I don't think he has that much experience in the position (he is listed as a midfield back, and played the last few seasons for North Otago at 12). The first-five battle will be intriguing. Both players has had great seasons, with Banks earning a Hurricanes contract ahead of West. They are different types of players - West is electric with ball in hand, but Banks controls the game better, and is the better goal-kicker (which may be crucial if it is a close match). If Horrell is fit I think the midfield is pretty even. Marshall has been Tasman's best player this season playing at 12, and will be a massive threat with his pace and footwork. Fonotia is a bit limited, but has plenty of size, and runs straight and hard. Horrell will be a key player for Hawkes Bay (if fit) as he has a variety of kicking, running, and passing skills which can bring a different dimension to the Hawkes Bay attack. Buckman has played consistently well at centre too - I'm surprised he hasn't yet been offered a Super Rugby contract this season (his defense has really impressed me). Both sides have plenty of pace out wide, though it is interesting to see both have opted to play wings at fullback. I thought Guildford looked lost at times for Hawkes Bay last week - he looked to run the ball back far too often and Otago were often able to turn the ball over (which helped keep Otago in the game). He is at his best when running hard onto the ball - when he time to think he seems to make the wrong decision! I'm sure Tasman will look to kick deep and test his decision making... On paper I think the teams are pretty evenly matched (Hawkes Bay may even have a slight edge..), but Tasman are at home, and have played much better as a team this season. I'm picking them to win by around 10 points. [/QUOTE]
Verification
Post reply
Forums
Rugby Union
Mitre 10 Cup
[2013 ITM Cup] Championship Final: Tasman v Hawke's Bay
Top