A Northland Supporter's report of the Manawatu vs Northland Match

Manawatu started the game like they had actually played together before, Northland on the other hand played like they had just met and were learning what a rugby ball was...

0-10 after 15mins to Manawatu. 0-13 at the break...

My observations? How the feck did Corey Tamou make the Maori squad as a 9?

At halftime Northland subbed him off and Hooker James Pinder (who in combination with his locks) as the lineout was a rabble, losing several of their own throws.

On came local boys Rhyan Caine at 9 & Tim Dow, the difference was noticable instantly.

Northland ran out winners 27-13 in the end, and could have been more, but then they could have also conceded more in the first spell!

Northland were not in the match at the break, they couldn't catch, pass, tackle, ruck, maul, lineout...

But once they bought on Dow & Caine, and then 15 mins later Holwell, and then Levi, they showed they were a class above Manawatu. Levi was beating men all over, Holwell got the backline moving, something Daniel Bowden couldn't do.

Former Aussie 7's player Marshall Milroy was handy at 15, showed some deft touches when he finally got some ball, and linked up well with his wings. Isoa Neivu (sp??) looks to be another great find on the wing for Northland, provided he can catch the ball, he looks like Caucau, is a strong elusive runner, but needs to catch the ball!

All in all, I'd give Northland a pass, they showed glimpes of class (as they have done the past few years) they were just fortunate that it was against Manawatu, and not one of the big boys or they woulda been so far behind at the break...

Brad Taylor should NOT be captain, on no less than 2 occasions he took at least 30 seconds to make a decision on what they would do from a penalty, he was indecisive and is not abrasive enough at lock, and I saw little to inspire if I were to be one of his team mates.

For Manawatu, at 9 former Taniwha Joggie Vijoen was class, long crisp pass, good options. Manawatu have one huge hua at 6, pretty handy, Northland did manage to contain him, so he looked prety ineefective, but if he gets some confidence, he will be a hard man to put down!

Their lineout was excerllent, I think Northland only stole 2 throws and these were in the second spell when they were actually orgainsed, after Manawatu nicked at least 4 in the 1st spell and disrupted all the others.

The scrum was pretty even, Northland started their '2nd 15' and Manawatu had a slight edge in the first spell, but the second spell was evens, although Northland did start to get an edge late on.

They have a couple of big lumps in the backs, a couple of handy looking players also, but nothing really dangerous and will really struggle to cross the line against the better sides.

4 tries to 2, I was expecting a bigger score, but I guess the important part is that these players now have tasted victory at this level, and showed abit of balls to come back from  0-13 down when it looked for all money they were gonna get thumped by Manawatu of all teams (no disrespect)

Again, they showed promise, but failed to deliver, hopefully a few more weeks together will see to that.

Manawatu has signed Argentine international Francisco Bosch and former Bay of Plenty fullback Ray Isara to look to plug the fullback position.

There is also speculation that Manawatu will also sign prolific point's scorer Ryan Bambrey, a Highlanders Squad member, as he looks to secure more game time.