Tried our best to lose again, but managed to bumble our way to victory over the Titans. We're up against the Bulldogs in Wellington next week. They had a crap start to the season but have now picked up two big consecutive wins over the Sharks and Tigers - perhaps weaker teams but hitting some form regardless.
Here's the team which won for the Doggies on Friday:
1. Ben Barba
2. Mitch Brown
3. Josh Morris
4. Tim Lafai
5. Sam Perrett
6. Josh Reynolds
7. Trent Hodkinson
8. Aiden Tolman
9. Michael Ennis
10. Martin Taupau
11. Tony Williams
12. Frank Pritchard
13. Greg Eastwood
Bench: 14. Dene Halatau 15. Josh Jackson 16. James Graham 17. Dale Finucane
Main concerns for me are their MASSIVE second row and the pace + nous of Morris and Barba.
Our Injury List:
(last update 05-05-13)
Sione Lousi - Prop/Second Row - Knee (out for season)
Steve Rapira - Second Row/Prop - Knee (Out for season)
Dane Nielsen - Centre - Ribs (Unknown)
Kevin Locke - Fullback - Back - (Unknown)
Sam Rapira - Prop - Hand - (Unknown)
Sio Siua Taukeiaho - Utility - Leg (Round 12/14)
Dominique Peyroux - Centre - Jaw (Round 11/12)
Sam Lousi - Prop - Foot (Round 10)
Alehana Mara - Hooker - Ankle (Round 7/8)
I would pick:
1 Jerome Ropati (he played great here last season even while carrying injuries, made a fuck-ton of metres on kick returns and organised the defense well. Basically, I do not rate the Fish as a first grade fullback and we have no other realistic options IMO)
2 Bill Tupou / Fish (not fussed either way)
3 Ben Henry (smart selection by M.E. and should play again)
4 Dane Nielsen / Ngani Laumape
5 Manu Vatuvei
6 Thomas Leuluai
7
Shaun Johnson
8 Russell Packer
9 Nathan Friend
10 Ben Matulino
11 Simon Mannering
12 Feleti Mateo
13 Todd Lowrie
14 Pita Godinet
15 Jacob Lillyman
16 Suaia Matagi / Charlie Gubb (whichever is going best for the Vulcans)
17 Sebastine Ikahihifo (more size into the second row)
Go for it...
