What's to Come in ITM Cup Round-Two?
The second round of the 2010 ITM Cup is set to go this weekend, and the teams will be looking to get their season off to a strong start. Canterbury will look to make up for a first round tie, while Auckland and Wellington will look to add to last week's strong performances.
Manawatu vs. Canterbury
Manawatu will take on powerhouse Canterbury in their second home match of this young season at Palmerston North.
Manawatu is coming off of a tough loss to Southland, who was able to handle them easily in the opening match. They can expect an even tougher opponent when Canterbury rolls into town on Thursday.
Canterbury will be interested in getting their season on track, after an opening round tie against Hawke’s Bay.
Canterbury is notorious for fluffing their first match, and has some work to do in order to catch up with rival Wellington.
Hawke’s Bay vs. Bay of Plenty
Hawke’s Bay will be at home in Napier against Bay of Plenty for their second match of the season.
Hawke’s is coming off of a hard-fought tie with Canterbury last week, and have to be pleased with the way they performed against the defending champions and 2010 favourites.
Meanwhile, Bay of Plenty could not muster any scoring against rival Waikato in their opening match. Meant to be a sleeper team this year, Bay of Plenty is going to have to pull it together if they wish to make the top seven.
Auckland vs. Waikato
In one of the weeks most intriguing games, Auckland hosts Waikato in the battle of the big guns.
Both squads are coming off of impressive wins last week, with Auckland defeating North Harbour handily, and Waikato putting on a defensive clinic against Bay of Plenty.
Currently, Auckland sits in first place with the bonus point and a point differential of plus-22.
This is an important match-up for both sides, with Auckland perhaps having the upper hand being at home.
Southland vs. Otago
Southland will play host to Otago, as they roll into Invercargill for the second game on Saturday.
Southland is coming off of a huge victory over Manawatu and will be looking to keep up their impressive play.
Otago was embarrassed last week as an undermanned Counties Manukau squad ran all over them in the first match of the year.
With Southland’s strong form, Otago can expect a similar showing if they do not get a better game plan together for Sunday.
Wellington vs. Counties Manukau
Wellington will be at home once again this weekend as they welcome Counties Manukau.
Counties played some surprisingly good rugby in their opening match, and are showing that they are a team to be reckoned with in 2010.
Wellington did waste their first round match-up either, as they put on a wonderful display in the rain against Tasman.
The upcoming match against Auckland will test Counties metal, and help gauge just how good they could be in this year’s campaign.
Northland vs. North Harbour
In the final match of the week, Northland will take on North Harbour at home in Whangarei.
Northland is coming off of an easy win over Taranaki at Yarrow Park in the first game of the 2010 ITM Cup. Nevertheless, the away team looked strong and interested in making a move up the table and into one of the top seven spots.
Conversely, North Harbour had a tough game against an Auckland side that exposed them a great deal, using their knowledgeable veterans to expose Harbours youth. Harbour will be hoping with another week under their youngster’s belts that they will be able to put up a better fight this weekend.
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