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Tortoises v Dictators — Pre-Match
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7T · 9GP
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Ivan Cleary
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ULTIMATE TEAM · Round 18
Tortoises v Dictators
Pre-Match Preview
· Stadium Taranaki
· Light rain
HOME · 5TH
Taranaki Tortoises
W
L
L
L
W
4W · 5L
VS
$2.07
$2.13
AWAY · 6TH
Pyongyang Dictators
4W · 5L
L
L
L
L
W
The Verdict
Dictators to win — fewer injury concerns, the better scoring record suggests they're the better side right now.
Predicted Score
Tortoises
24
–
Dictators
22
Scouting Report
Tortoises
Tortoises keep opponents guessing with a varied approach. There's no single way to shut them down.
Their boot work has been tactical and varied. No single pattern to predict.
Statistically similar to their opponent — nothing separating these two on paper.
1 player unavailable (1 injured, 0 suspended). Manageable.
Playing at home — should feed off the crowd.
Dictators
Dictators haven't committed to one attacking style — they adapt week to week.
Their boot work has been tactical and varied. No single pattern to predict.
Statistically similar to their opponent — nothing separating these two on paper.
3 players showing fatigue (fitness below 60) — could be rested or underperform.
Tactical Battle
Both sides are tactically flexible — don't expect a clear attacking pattern from either side. The team that adapts best on the night wins.
All eyes on Francis Meli (Wing) vs Stacey Jones (Halfback). Both have been outstanding this season and when these two are firing, it's box office.
Where to Target
On paper, Tortoises' Prop stocks are the weakest link. That's where the damage could be done.
Tortoises will be without key man Ivan Cleary (Fullback). He's been one of the comp's best this season — his absence changes the dynamic.
On paper, Dictators' Prop stocks are the weakest link. That's where the damage could be done.
Momentum
Dictators desperately need a win to stop the rot. Expect them to come out fired up.
Key Players
Ivan Cleary
Fullback
Francis Meli
Wing
Jason Death
Hooker
Stacey Jones
Halfback
Taine Tuaupiki
Fullback
Jacob Lillyman
Prop
Chemistry
Tortoises
73%
Dictators
107%
Unavailable
Dictators: Full squad available
Head to Head
Tortoises lead the season series 1-0 from 1 meeting. They'll be confident of maintaining that record at home.
Coaches
The Gambler
Tortoises
v
The Tactician
Dictators