ITM Cup Round 2 preview: North Harbour takes on Tasman - Rugby News
The second round of the ongoing ITM Cup will kick off on July 19 as North Harbour takes on Tasman in Albany. Both sides are looking forward to catch their first victory of the event as they lost their opening matches of the tournament. Otago battled past
North Harbour on July 14, whereas Tasman tasted an opening defeat by Northland on July 16.
Both teams have met three times before this match and the equation favours North Harbour as they remained victorious on two occasions. The Tasman team, which has won only one match against Northland, is hopeful to secure the second win in Albany. The sides
met last time in September 2010, during last year’s championship. Tasman won the match by 28-21 after a close contest.
North Harbour coach, Liam Barry, announced his side on July 18 and marked slight changes in his starting lineup. However, the coach has again ignored the former All Blacks player, Luke McAlister, who apologised to his team after missing the practice session
for their first match of the event. McAlister expressed his annoyance with New Zealand Rugby Union after he was discarded for the upcoming Tri-Nations Cup 2011.
Talking to the reporters on Saturday July 16, Luke McAlister realised his misdeed and said that, "It caused an unwanted distraction and I accept that I now need to make good for that. I also apologise to North Harbour and the NZRU for any issues it has caused
them."
However, he was failed to impress his coach Liam Barry because of his fitness problems. Liam Barry told the media that the veteran player has been left out of the contest for his fitness issues and will not be included in the team.
The Tasman side has not made any change in their team from their previous contest against Northland. They have good players in their forwards and defending packs but they would be tested to handle the pressure of the big names playing in the North Harbour’s
side.
North Harbour lost its previous match due to the failure of the forwards and will be required to remedy the problem. They will be looking forward to Ben Afeaki, who represents Chiefs in Super Rugby, to deliver an outstanding performance. Their skipper, Chris
Smylie, James King and Kin Pisi can play a vital role for their side.
Meanwhile, Tasman will be required to put a big effort to clinch their first victory in the championship. Quentin MacDonald, Mitchell Scott, Andrew Goodman and Jonathan Poff will be the key men for Tasman.
The sides will go in the match with following players:
North Harbour: 1. Mike Reid, 2. Mike Mayhew, 3. Ben Afeaki, 4. Chris Smith, 5. James King, 6. Solomon King, 7. Brent Wilson, 8. Matt Luamanu, 9. Chris Smylie (capt), 10. Ben Botica, 11. David Raikuna, 12. Brendon Watt, 13. Rudi Wulf, 14. Ken Pisi, 15. Willie
Walker.
Reserves: 16. Manu Leiataua, 17. Taione Vea, 18. Irwin Finau, 19. Sam Hayes-Stevenson, 20. Luke Hamilton, 21. Nafi Tuitavake, 22. Codey Rei, 23. James Afoa.
Tasman: 1. Sam Prattley, 2. Quentin MacDonald, 3. Fai Mika, 4. Pablo Heuete, 5. Joe Wheeler, 6. Jonathon Poff, 7. Shane Christie, 8. Mark Bright, 9. Steve Alfeld, 10. James Marshall, 11. Mitchell Scott, 12. Andrew Goodman (capt), 13. Kieron Fonotia, 14.
Lucky Mulipola,15. Robbie Malneek.
Reserves: 16. Francis Smith, 17. Craig Moore, 18. Riki Hoeata, 19. Liam Squire, 20. Shawn Begg, 21. James Proctor, 22. Willie McGoon, 23. James Hadfield.
Tags: