S4, R10: Sharks RFC vs. Hurricanes RFC (vBookie)

%sharks

1. David Dafter
2. Eddie Morris
3. Shane Masters
4. James McDougal (C)
5. Sam Verigotta
6. Simon Laing
7. Lee Sweetman
8. Dexter Astele

9. Sam Bakkum
10. Matthew Scoble (K)
11. Chris Devonshire
12. Sam Graham
13. Sam Green
14. Regan Hutchinson
15. Jordan Logan

Tactical Subs

16. Soumyanil Das
17. Paul Oz
18. Reece Fisher
19. Bibu Immanual
20. James Hughes
21. Michael Edwards
22. Eliott Witters

%srhurricanes

1. Kim Glensor
2. Cattwat Smith
3. Alan Parker
4. J Torres
5. Jason Denton
6. Rask
7. League Lover
8. Leumas Himann
9. Luke Pilgrim
10. Ed Ames
11. Damien Taylor
12. G Weaver
13. Karwin Rogers
14. Kelvin Fung
15. Alistair Son

Tactical Substitutions

16. Jake Wilkinson
17. JP Rhodes
18. Fittaman
19. Clough
20. Brian Quilty
21. CM Dyer
22. Ikram

 

Surprised at the odds tstl. I think they underrate Magic somewhat. If he was at all active, he'd be a bloody good player at this.

 

Come on 'Canes!!

 

This, tonight. 7.30pm NZT.

 

Preview

At first glance, it may look as if there isn't much riding on this game. Following the Gamblers capitulation to the Spartans yesterday, both the Hurricanes and Sharks are guaranteed a space in the SRC Semi Final. In fact, with the Hurricanes 6 points clear of the Sharks, they are guaranteed that the semi will be held at the Hurricanes' home ground.

However, the psychological edge will be bound to head in the direction of the winner of this contest.

So, where will this game be won or lost? Early indication are that the weather won't be great for this game which could mean we're likely to see a fair bit of kicking to the back three. It's fair to say that both teams are solid in this area with a top notch combo in the Hurricanes jersey (Taylor - Fung - Son) and also for the Sharks (Devonshire - Hutchinson - Logan).

Devonshire is likely the weak link in this area, but Logan and Hutchinson are game winners in their own right.

Up front, the form player is Hurricanes' tighthead Alan Parker. He'll face a stern test from David Dafter. Test squad member Shane Masters should be able to make mincemeat out of opposite number Kim Glensor. This should give the Sharks a slight edge at scrum time.

Both teams sport fantastic 2nd rows. Jason Denton has been arguably the form lock of the past few weeks, but James McDougal and Sam Verigotta are SRC Test players and will represent a massive challenge.

Both back rows look short on quality. The standout here is breakdown bully Simon Laing. Expect him to rack up a stack of turnovers tonight. Much will come down to whether Keith Rask or Lee Sweetman can step up a notch tonight and whether one can dominate the other.

In the pivots, it's my firm belief that the Hurricanes have the edge. Matthew Scoble is a solid performer, but Ed Ames is an SRC star and should easily outshine his opposite number. Sam Bakkum was on the sharp end of many barbs last season and he's stepped his performances up this season. However, Luke Pilgrim is a canny operator who will make Bakkum work for his bread.

My prediction. Hurricanes by 1-12.

 

Keen for this.

Come on 'Canes!!