Some interesting selections from both teams. For the Canes it's good to see Bent starting ahead of Tialata at prop as he's a talented young player - certainly sends a message to Tialata that he needs to be fit and on form if he wants to be guaranteed a start for the Canes this year. Reddish at 6, ahead of the likes of Levave and So'oialo, is an interesting choice. He played well for Wellington this year (before he was injured) and I think he tighter game will actually suit the Canes as it will allow Vito to play a much more expansive game. No surprises in the backs - the backline will be devastating given front foot ball...
A few interesting selections in Highlanders as well. I'm really surprised the Te Moana is the first choice tighthead - he had little rugby at all last year, playing only a couple of games off the bench for Wellington. I was shocked he was selected as one of 5 props in the squad, so certainly didn't expect him to start ahead of Aulika, King (who I thought would have been the incumbant) or Murray. He must have been very impressive in the preseason! I would have liked to have seen Tuineau start alongside Bekhuis at lock (as I would have liked to see the entire Southland tight-5 together), but Hoeata should do a good job. I don't understand why Sopoaga has been selected ahead of Robinson - I think he may be badly exposed at this level. I would have liked to have seen Veainu start on the wing, but I think Patersons size is needed in what is a small Highlanders backline.
Overall I'd expect the Canes to win by 15-20 points. The forwards packs as relatively evenly matched, but the Canes backline is far superior. I particularly worry about the 10/12 channel for the Highlanders as Sopoaga is not a huge guy, and Treeby does have defensive issues - Nonu could cause havoc!
