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Tortoises v Salamanders — Pre-Match
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ULTIMATE TEAM · Round 13
Tortoises v Salamanders
Pre-Match Preview
· Stadium Taranaki
· Fine
HOME · 5TH
Taranaki Tortoises
AWAY · 2ND
Tohoku Salamanders
The Verdict
Salamanders have a slight edge with the better scoring record, but never underestimate the home crowd.
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.
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.
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.
The boot has been a weapon for Salamanders this season — 80% conversion rate.
Ivan Cleary
minor
Bayley Sironen
minor
Salamanders lead the season series 1-0. They've already proven they can beat Tortoises this year.
v
The Dealmaker
Salamanders