I really enjoyed the Canterbury v Waikato match. Both teams seemed intent on playing running rugby, which led to quite an expansive match.
A few thoughts.....
- Otago should never have let Brad Weber get away. He passed well, made his tackles, and was dangerous with ball in hand. He seems to break far too many tackles for such a small guy!
- McKenzie is still very raw, and obviously needs to work on his defense at this level, but he is phenomenally talented. He has a fantastic skills set and phenomenal vision for such a young player
- All of the Waikato outside backs impressed me. O'Donnell and Webber were both very dangerous with ball in hand (they are credited with 3 linebreaks apiece), but also made their tackles on defense. Nikoro didn't really break the line but was solid at the back, injected himself well into the line, and linked well with the wings.
- Codie Taylor is very dynamic!
- Scott Barrett looks an excellent prospect at lock. His ball running in particular impressed me. It would be no surprise to see him in the Crusaders squad next season (though he may want to consider moving a bit further South
).
- Matt Todd is quite simply the best openside in the country. The offloading game that he has developed in the last 6 months is a real weapon....
- Luke Whitelock was good in the lineouts. That was about it though.
- Will Heinz is handy at this level. As is Tyler Bleyendaal, who I thought controlled the game very well.
- Rob Thompson is much better in the midfield than on the wing. Adam Whitelock likewise is a very good centre at this level. I'm not sure why he wasn't played there by the Crusaders a bit more in this last year?
- Osbourne is dangerous. McNicholl.... hmmmm. He has a brilliant outside swerve, but I'm starting to believe he is a bit limited. Mo'unga was a bit mixed at fullback, but he is talented player with ball in hand.
