Aisle be Back: Hurricanes v Moana Pasifika

Petone’s Harry Godfrey flies through to score his try last week against the Blues.

By Kevin McCarthy

Into round 4 and don’t think we’ve had a banana peel result yet. That is when everyone thinks  a team could not possibly lose to some underdog – and then it does.

This year’s Super Rugby Pacific is certainly turning on points galore, back and forth action, and a fair few heart-stopping finishes. But nothing where you are left scratching your head as to what just happened.

I’d venture that we may see that this weekend though when the Chiefs travel to Lautoka.

The competition leaders have looked pretty untouchable so far – and the Fijian Drua typically up and down.

But the Chiefs are going to find out what life is like without Damian McKenzie this week, and they also have  bit of habit of coming unstuck when no-one expects it.

And playing in Fiji, especially when the tide is running against and the home crowd is going crazy, is easily somewhere sides find things going pear-shaped fast.

No doubt I will be wrong.

The other really interesting game is the Reds visiting Christchurch. Their win there last year confirmed the Crusaders were in a death spiral. This time around,  the Crusaders are clearly a stronger side – without being convincing. The Reds have started solidly, and how they match up will be a good indicator on whether Australia can offer more than the Brumbies as a challenge.

You can also run the same argument  for said Brumbies playing the Blues tonight at Eden Park.

One would hope the Hurricanes have the firepower to overcome Moana Pasifika away – despite the heroics of Ardie Savea.  They certainly need another win ahead of the bye, but nothing is certain, with a bit of rotation happening for the Canes.

Agonising to go down last week – but Telea’s try was genius, On the plus side, Harry Godfrey is only getting better.

Most excellently, you’d would bet the house on any of the results of the five games, which is ideal for fan interest.

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The world being what it is right now, there re plenty of contenders for what people are preoccupied with. But there is one clear winner – who do they pick to replace DMac in their fantasy teams.

He has been the safest  to bank points, and as a captain (they score double points). Now players have to find someone else.

Yes, they’re re plenty of options – but that just makes it worse. I had a good round last week, spreading unease I hope in my particular league – so getting it right or wrong is shaping as critical.

I’ve settled on  where I’m going but will be  watching nervously. Is anyone else checking in just to make sure for late team withdrawals on match day?  Surely they are.

Nothing is worse than seeing a bit fat doughnut recorded against your pick once the match has begun.

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The Hurricanes team to play Moana Pasifika

Ruben Love returns to start against Moana Pasifika for Round 4.

North Harbour Stadium will host the Hurricanes vs Moana Pasifika fixture. The Hurricanes have played at North Harbour Stadium only once before, against the Blues in 2010 taking the win 34-20.

Hurricanes Head Coach, Clark Laidlaw said “Moana Pasifika have been very competitive this season and have gone up a few notches from last year, they have played well in all 3 games, and we will need to play well to get a win. There are a couple of areas that we need to work on post the Blues game but we’re ready for another tough game.”

“Ruben Love is back after injury which is great news, and we have some potential debuts off the bench which is exciting.”

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The Hurricanes Poua team to play Matatu in Christchurch on Sunday:

1. Ngano Tavake
2. Forne Burkin
3. Angel Mulu
4. Sam Taylor
5. Joanah Ngan-Woo
6. Kahurangi Sturmey
7. Elinor-Plum King
8. Layla Sae
9. Iritana Hohaia
10. Cassie Siataga
11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga
12. Monica Tagoai
13. Leilani Hakiwai
14. Teilah Ferguson
15. Isabella Waterman

REPLACEMENTS  

16. Denise Aiolupotea
17. Nina Poletti
18. Jayme Nuku
19. Olioli Mua
20. Jackie Patea-Fereti
21. Paige Lush
22. Te Rauoriwa Gapper
23. Harmony Kautai