Big wins expected to start season
Josh Puckey, Kaitaia is lacking big props though, and that is a concern.
Eastern, bolstered by the return of No 8 Hayden Jurlina, talented brothers Troy and Morgan Harvey and Kyle Thompson, are away to Kaikohe. There is no doubt that Eastern is the side to watch, and a big score against Kaikohe could be a sign of their potential to dominate the competition.
Hail the Highlanders
What about the thrashing of the elite Crusaders by their neighbours, the Highlanders, 33-12 on Friday night? The Otago-based side hit the opposition with close, physical marking, rattling and confusing the Crusaders to score their first win in eight years. And remember that coach Tony Brown had stood down a number of leading players over discipline issues.
It was at the breakdown that the Highlanders stood out, and with crafty kicking by star first-five Mitchell Hunt the Crusaders made mistakes, and that was the match.
In the other game the Wellington
Hurricanes blew their chances 17-27 against the Auckland Blues at Eden Park. Down to 14 players for 20 minutes of the game, the Blues virtually took over, a must-win after a two-match losing run. Now the Blues are on track for the Super Rugby Aotearoa final. Within four points of the Crusaders, the only threat now is the Waikato Chiefs, who take on the Highlanders on Saturday. Let there be lights
And what about the new floodlights at Semenoff Stadium? Costing $3.3 million, they are bright enough for high-definition television recording and international games. Even the Whanga¯ rei District Council has got in on the act, saying the new lights would use less energy, reduce light spill and maintenance, and costs. Piffle! With the field upgraded and new drainage completed, a big screen, costing $450,000, will be next to be erected. Imagine the cost of hiring this stadium!
And that’s how Mat sees it.