I guess the weekend's matches weren't that noteworthy with all the Olympics (and the All Blacks I guess) to watch. Finally caught up with all the matches, some entertaining enough encounters.
Harbour lost AGAIN, so no wins from three games - somehow they're ahead of both Taranaki and Counties Manukau though, who have a win each. I thought they were a bit hard done by, Zar Lawrence was awarded a try following a clear knock on (which went to the TMO but as it wasn't part of the act of scoring, he was helpless to call on it) as well as playing into a ridiculously strong wind in the first half which died completely in the second. Putting those two points aside, the Bay were by far the better side. Solomon King in particular was sensational in the first half and Delany was as commanding as ever.
Southland did really well to beat Hawkes Bay away from home though I feel for the Magpies somewhat, with Tim Boys scoring a very dubious try for the visitors. Lowe, Nauopu and Johnson were brilliant for Hawkes Bay but Stewart guided Southland around the park so well. I dare say that hes the form first five eight in the ANZC.
Voltman's favourite player Munro was incredibly quiet in the Canterbury v Auckland match, as was most of the Auckland side. Canterbury was sensational in the final 30 minutes of the game but Auckland, I'm sure by their own admission, were very poor at times. Hard to believe they had been so dominant against the Naki a week before and they'll be super glad that its only Manawatu challenging for the Shield this weekend (should still require a much better performance to win that though). Interesting that the goal kicking was so poor in that match which carried on to the All Black test (not that I had seen the match before watching the ABs).
As for the final match, knew I should've been backing Tasman to win but tactics got the better of me and it didn't pay off. In saying that Taranaki did lead by 10 points at one point in the second half after Austin's intercept try but the yellow cards seemed to kill them, even if Tasman didn't profit in the seven or so minutes they played against 13. At least the set pieces were a big improvement for Taranaki, areas which have been so poor in their first two games.
I think it would've been somewhat of an injustice if Otago lost, they really should've wrapped up the game earlier (in saying that Bancroft nearly did but had the ball knocked from his hand). Was surprised Noakes didn't start actually, given he had an excellent game against Southland and was hardly at fault for Otago being outclassed by Canterbury last week. I rate him higher than Bowden anyway. For Northland, Vainikolo was superb - compare that with Lelia Masaga who I can't remember making a single line break in any of Counties' three matches this season. Holwell seemed off the pace but thats hardly surprising given hes been ill for a week. Payne very impressive again, bet Waikato are enjoying that.
