|
Written by Jamie Troughton
|
|
Friday, 06 October 2006 |
Tahana tagging along
The last time the Steamers adopted a `koro' - a team father-figure - Damon Kaui sat proudly on the sidelines of Eden Park watching Bay of Plenty lift the Ranfurly Shield. Now wing Anthony Tahana, invalided out of tomorrow's game with a calf strain, will take over the role, hoping to bring similar success.
Semi conscious?
There's a fair bit of confusion over the semifinal draw - helped no end by the incorrect NZPA graphic published on these pages this week. To put it simply, if Bay beat Auckland and Waikato beat Southland, there will be a steaming pile of Mooloo on Waikato Stadium next week. But if Southland knock over Waikato, Bay won't face the Stags because they're the two lowest qualifiers. Gedditt? Neither do we.
Nutting off
Jamie Nutbrown's impact in the Air New Zealand Cup was recognised this week, winning the `MVP' award for the season on Sky TV's Reunion programme. He's also the highest ranked Bay player in the Rugby News `Best and Fairest' list, on seven points, behind leader Nick Evans on 10.
Score bored?
There are lies, damn lies and statistics - but we were intrigued with one set of stats which shows that the Auckland-Bay of Plenty rivalry has been one of the keenest over the last four seasons. Both sides have won two games each, while Auckland have collected 139 points to Bay's 122. For the boffins - and yes, we're rounding up - that makes the average score 35-31. To the JAFAs.
Story with thanks to the Bay of Plenty Times
|
News and Opinion 
