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MAFIA TEES
Just $20 a shirt, a steal!
Not often you steal from the Mafia and live to tell the tale...
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Bay halfback would be Nuts to jump winning ship |
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Written by The overjoyed Fan in the Stand
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Thursday, 14 August 2008 |
WHAT a fantastic day out in Rotorua.
Friendly ticket prices, Hori BOP leading the side out and the complete dismantling of Counties-Manukau.
All parts of the team functioned outstandingly which shows what a coach can achieve given some months to plan and prepare.
With the game over as a contest soon after halftime, it was reassuring to see the defence stand up and keep the slightly rusty-looking Steelers tryless even as the game became looser.
We certainly needed to tip over Tasman and Counties to be in a good position to make the top eight but the fact these sides have knocked over Waikato and Auckland in their other game makes the wins much more precious.
We now sit proudly as one of only two unbeaten sides while our old friends across the Kaimais are sitting 14th and last.
That fact needs repeating: WAIKATO IS BOTTOM OF THE LADDER AFTER DEFEATS AT THE HANDS OF NORTHLAND AND TASMAN.
Our loose forward trio were superb in all aspects on Saturday. Colin Bourke again showcased his all-round talents from No 8, including his kicking game. If he decides to stick around in New Zealand, surely a Chiefs spot will be there for him in 2009?
Meanwhile, Tanerau Latimer and Solomon King were everywhere, tackling hungrily and always on hand to take the ball forward.
It was fitting that Captain Latimer scored the final try, finishing off a team effort with determination and power.
Although the Steamers personnel has not changed much from 2007, the preparation and fitness of the 2008 squad is streets ahead.
The Fan in the Stand is still traumatised by the sight of our tight forwards lying down for a rest after a few rucks in 2007, while the backline stuttered for most of the season.
Aimless passing from side to side has been replaced by incisive and well-timed entries into the backline.
Our midfield pair of Hunt and Aporo are dangerous with ball in hand and, on Saturday, supporting players were always there to take the pass and keep the movement flowing.
The kicking game was also mightily effective, leading directly to a couple of tries.
The only cloud on the horizon is our potential lack of depth in key positions. If Jamie Nutbrown is still pondering his offer from Ospreys, hopefully the chance to be a part of a successful Bay team will persuade him to stay for the rest of the season and beyond.
With the fragility of All Black halfback contenders, his current form must have pushed him close to the national squad.
Am I sounding desperate enough? Wales is wet and miserable. Please stay Jamie.
Saturday afternoon sees North Harbour at Baypark. Harbour has lost their first two games but showed signs of improvement against Wellington.
Hopefully some decent weather will see a big turn-out for an afternoon game and we can resurrect Fortress Baypark.
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Buy "If Only No More" |
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Steamers 2009 |
| : Air New Zealand Cup |
| Position: 7 |
| 31 July: Northland, W 19-14 |
| 9 Aug: Counties, W 32-9 |
| 15 Aug: Wellington, W 21-17 |
| 22 Aug: Waikato, W 32-16 |
| 30 Aug: Auckland, L 14-29 |
| 5 Sep: Canterbury, W 19-17 |
| 11 Sep: Southland, L 12-19 |
| 17 Sep: Tasman, W 24-13 |
| 26 Sep: Otago, L 17-26 |
| 2 Oct: Hawke's Bay, L 19-22 |
| 10 Oct: Harbour, L 7-28 |
| 16 Oct: Manawatu, W 28-27 |
| 25 Oct: Taranaki, L 24-30 |
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