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Tortoises v Salamanders — Pre-Match
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7T · 9GP
9T · 8GP
0T · 9GP
7T · 8GP
4T · 9GP
2T · 8GP
Ivan Cleary
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Bayley Sironen
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ULTIMATE TEAM · Round 13
Tortoises v Salamanders
Pre-Match Preview
· Stadium Taranaki
· Fine
HOME · 5TH
Taranaki Tortoises
W
L
L
L
W
4W · 5L
VS
$2.18
$2.03
AWAY · 2ND
Tohoku Salamanders
6W · 3L
L
W
W
W
W
The Verdict
Salamanders have a slight edge with the better scoring record, but never underestimate the home crowd.
Predicted Score
Tortoises
23
–
Salamanders
23
Scouting Report
Tortoises
Tortoises are a well-rounded side who change their attack based on the opposition.
Their boot work has been tactical and varied. No single pattern to predict.
Cause for concern: struggling to put points on the board.
1 player unavailable (1 injured, 0 suspended). Manageable.
Playing at home — should feed off the crowd.
Salamanders
Salamanders don't have an obvious attacking tendency — they're comfortable playing multiple ways.
Their kicking game is built around distance — they want to pin you deep and force drop-outs.
Edge over the opponent: outscoring opponents comfortably.
1 player unavailable (1 injured, 0 suspended). Manageable.
Tactical Battle
No obvious tactical mismatch here. Both coaches tend to read the game and adjust, so this could develop into a chess match.
All eyes on Francis Meli (Wing) vs James Maloney (Five-eighth). Both have been outstanding this season and when these two are firing, it's box office.
Where to Target
Tortoises' Prop depth has been a concern all season. Expect Salamanders to target that channel.
Huge blow for Tortoises — Ivan Cleary (Fullback) won't be out there. That's a massive hole to fill.
Salamanders' Halfback depth has been a concern all season. Expect Tortoises to target that channel.
Scoring
The boot has been a weapon for Salamanders this season — 80% conversion rate.
Key Players
Ivan Cleary
Fullback
Francis Meli
Wing
Jason Death
Hooker
James Maloney
Five-eighth
Tohu Harris
Lock
Phil Blake
Fullback
Chemistry
Tortoises
73%
Salamanders
101%
Unavailable
Head to Head
Salamanders lead the season series 1-0. They've already proven they can beat Tortoises this year.
Coaches
The Gambler
Tortoises
v
The Dealmaker
Salamanders