VENUE & TIME: FMG Stadium, Palmerston North, Saturday September 4, 14.35 NZT.
HEAD TO HEAD: Played 78 – Manawatu 15, Wellington 57, drawn 6.
LAST TIME: October 3, 2009 (Wellington) – Wellington 43-15 Manawatu.
LAST TIME AT VENUE: September 5, 2008 – Manawatu 12-36 Wellington.
MATCH ODDS: NZ TAB (Tuesday): Manawatu $6.00, Wellington $1.10.
WALKING WOUNDED: Manawatu has lost Ma'afu Fia and Mitchell Crosswell from the side that played Hawke's Bay, while Aaron Cruden is taken out through All Black duties. Tomasi Cama fractured an eye socket and will miss the next month or so. There is some good news on the bench, though, where Reece Robinson and James Oliver return. Wellington has rested a number of senior players for this match and regulars Dane Coles, Neemia Tialata, Charlie Ngatai and Hosea Gear all have the week off. Gear, with a hamstring complaint, is the only one listed as injured.
FORM:
PAST FIVE:
Manawatu
Round 1: Lost to Southland 23-37
Round 2: Lost to Canterbury 26-27
Round 3: Lost to Northland 8-77
Round 4: Lost to Counties-Manukau 14-35
Round 5: Lost to Hawke's Bay 9-17
PAST FIVE:
Wellington
Round 1: Beat Tasman 20-11
Round 2: Lost to Counties-Manukau 25-31
Round 3: Beat Otago 35-22
Round 4: Beat Waikato 26-14
Round 5: Beat Northland 31-28
Manawatu gave it everything against Hawke's Bay a week ago and the scrambling defence, in particular, was a notable feature of the Turbos' play. However the forwards were always under pressure as the Magpies dominated territory and possession, so only conceding one try was something of a triumph. The problem was that the team seldom got into threatening positions with ball in hand and a couple of chances died through faulty handling at the worst possible moments. Wellington drifted through the first 40 minutes against Northland and turned 10-25 to the bad, but a much better second half effort was rewarded when John Schwalger battered over for the decisive try with five minutes to play. A late penalty gave Northland a chance of a deserved draw, but the kick sailed just wide.
WHO'S HOT: Rob Foreman had a strong outing in his 50th Manawatu game last week, and he was busy around the park and good at set piece. The loose trio tackled superbly, with Doug Tietjens snuffing out several dangerous raids. Aaron Smith continues to impress at halfback, varying his play nicely and clearing well. Victor Vito became a dominant figure for Wellington as the match developed, using his speed and skill to telling advantage. Rodney So'oialo worked as hard as ever despite playing his first game for months and he lasted the 80 minutes well. Shaun Treeby is going about his business quietly and effectively in the Wellington midfield, often making half-breaks and defending accurately.
WE THINK: Wellington should have too much in this game and, assuming their minds are on the job, look a good bet to take all five points. They have enough size up front and speed out wide to give Manawatu a tough time, and we think a 15-point margin would be the minimum Andre Bell would be happy with.
TEAMS:
Manawatu: 1. Grant Polson (captain), 2. Rob Foreman, 3. Karl Haitana, 4. Michael Fitzgerald, 5. Fraser Stone, 6. Doug Tietjens, 7. Callum Gibbins, 8. Hamish Gosling, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Isaac Thompson, 11. Lote