NPR

Several All Blacks and fringe squad members have been released to play for their provinces this weekend: Saminpeni Finau (Waikato), Pasilio Tosi (BoP), Billy Proctor and Ruben Love (Wellington) and Isaia Walker-Leawere (HB).

Otago vs Auckland kicking off in Dunedin in about 25 minutes...

An entertaining first half, Otago leading by 17 - 13. 2H just underway

Gumboot wrote: Fri Aug 16, 2024 6:39 am Several All Blacks and fringe squad members have been released to play for their provinces this weekend: Saminpeni Finau (Waikato), Pasilio Tosi (BoP), Billy Proctor and Ruben Love (Wellington) and Isaia Walker-Leawere (HB).

Otago vs Auckland kicking off in Dunedin in about 25 minutes...

I thought I read somewhere that Walker-Leawere had been called up to the AB squad as injury cover

2 losses on the bounce will make this a difficult season for Auckland already.

OomStruisbaai wrote: Wed Aug 14, 2024 7:15 pm

Enzedder wrote: Wed Aug 14, 2024 7:04 pm

OomStruisbaai wrote: Wed Aug 14, 2024 6:43 pm
The Ref must have helped BoP.

No, Razor did. {/AC mode}

This is the first year we don't see any NPC live rugby.

Wrong Clan vs Auckland now live

Aucks have been raped at the breakdown.

Weren't we meant to be speeding up scrums?

Good win to Otago 27-25.

Kiwias wrote: Fri Aug 16, 2024 8:05 am

Gumboot wrote: Fri Aug 16, 2024 6:39 am Several All Blacks and fringe squad members have been released to play for their provinces this weekend: Saminpeni Finau (Waikato), Pasilio Tosi (BoP), Billy Proctor and Ruben Love (Wellington) and Isaia Walker-Leawere (HB).

Otago vs Auckland kicking off in Dunedin in about 25 minutes...

I thought I read somewhere that Walker-Leawere had been called up to the AB squad as injury cover

Yep.

Otago take the win by a 2-point margin. I am distinctly unimpressed with Akira Ioane -- no dynamism or pop in his play.

Kiwias wrote: Fri Aug 16, 2024 9:02 am Otago take the win by a 2-point margin. I am distinctly unimpressed with Akira Ioane -- no dynamism or pop in his play.

To be honest the whole Auckland team, with a couple of exceptions, are looking dire and are being demolished at the breakdown.

Surprisingly entertaining game, mainly from Otago, see's the big O take their first win of the season, with Auckland going 0-2. Some decent tries in this one, and for once this season the defense stood up for both sides. Good game from the Ref who did his very best to avoid cards

27-25 to Otago, at least Auckland get a point here.

Crusaders A vs Crusaders B (otherwise known as Canterbury vs Tasman) has just kicked off in Nelson.

Up next: Hawke's Bay defending the Shield against Southland...

Kiwias wrote: Fri Aug 16, 2024 9:02 am Otago take the win by a 2-point margin. I am distinctly unimpressed with Akira Ioane -- no dynamism or pop in his play.

Just looked fat and lazy.

Gumboot wrote: Sat Aug 17, 2024 4:28 am Up next: Hawke's Bay defending the Shield against Southland...

Can't see this being close.

Having said that, Magpies error count racking up.

Torquemada 1420 wrote: Sat Aug 17, 2024 5:00 am

Gumboot wrote: Sat Aug 17, 2024 4:28 am Up next: Hawke's Bay defending the Shield against Southland...

Can't see this being close.

The Magpies have a proud Shield history. they might not have racked up the huge number of defences as the behemoths lkie Auckland and Canterbury, but their tenures tend to be quite lengthy.

That error sums this game up.

Southland making a decent fist of this challenge

Magpies too good 31-17.

Stags put up a good showing but the Bay were too strong. Curtainraisers all over and now for the big show!!

Gumboot wrote: Sat Aug 17, 2024 6:20 am Magpies too good 31-17.

Is it just me or do we appear to have a backline this year

No games on Sky this morning. Anyone with a working stream for Steelers/Mooloos?

https://www.vipbox.lc/rugby/counties-ma ... ato-1-live

It's just about over, I'm afraid.

Whew - we got past Ben O'Keeffe (and the Steelers) by 6 points

Gumboot wrote: Sun Aug 18, 2024 6:13 am https://www.vipbox.lc/rugby/counties-ma ... ato-1-live

It's just about over, I'm afraid.

Cheers. Had tried that one but no luck with adblocks on.

Round Three

Friday

Hawkes Bay vs Northland (RS)

Saturday

Counties vs Tasman

Auckland vs Canterbury

Southland vs Taranaki

Sunday

Otago vs Bay of Plenty

Wellington vs Manawatu

North Harbour vs Waikato

Wednesday 28th

Canterbury vs Hawkes Bay

Northland leading Hawke's Bay 9-7 after 20 minutes in Napier.

Fakatava sporting yet a new slimline hairdo...

Taniwha extend lead to 16 - 7 after 25 mins

The Bay strike back with two quick tries, the second a superb diving catch of a cross field kick, now leading 19 - 16

And another 26 -16 at half time, still anyone's match from here.

Bay score soon after halftime and the lead stretches to 33 - 16. Northland need to score pretty soon

The Bay make it 3 from 3 with an excellent 55-30 win over the Taniwha in the opening match of the weekend. Both teams need to seriously work on their defense, but both showed they can attack from anywhere. Fakatava amongst others putting their hands up for higher honours. Razor you watching local rugby?

Counties vs Tasman now halftime and Tasman lead 10 - 3, neither team playing particularly well.

Tasman hitting top gear now and the score is suddenly 29 - 3

Couple of high-scoring games to start the weekend. Auckland vs Canterbury has just kicked off - hopefully it follows suit.

Both sides looking shadows of former glories.

Gumboot wrote: Sat Aug 24, 2024 4:42 am Couple of high-scoring games to start the weekend. Auckland vs Canterbury has just kicked off - hopefully it follows suit.

Not so far. Canty leading 3 - 0 after 20 mins

Final score Counties v Tasman 3 - 48 ... ouch for folk in Hamilton.

Cantabs 6 - 0 after 19 against the Aucks.

Akira goes for the greedy/dumb option when Auk scrum dominant.

FM. Kicking has been w*nk.