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VB NSW Cup Rd #5 Preview – Auckland Vulcans vs. North Sydney Bears
By Corey Rosser
Another Mount Smart triple header is on the cards this Sunday and the opening match between the Auckland Vulcans and North Sydney Bears shapes as a mouth-w...atering contest.
Once again the game will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 2, with coverage starting at 12pm NZT, while Foxtel will show it throughout Australia from 10am onwards.
The last time these two met, in round 24 last year, they played out a thriller at Mount Smart Stadium, where the Vulcans produced one of the upsets of the season, triumphing over the table topping Bears despite sitting way down in eleventh position.
Auckland are a much improved outfit already in 2013 and sit inside the top eight after their draw against Windsor last week.
The Bears head into this match with a three win - one loss record and are an intimidating prospect under the leadership of forwards Josh Starling, who has NRL experience, and Tom Burgess, brother of South Sydney NRL stars Sam, George and Luke.
Unbeaten at home this year, the Vulcans could consider themselves unlucky to have missed out on two points last week but will take heart from what was a gutsy display against a tough Wolves team.
Silly dropped ball and penalties near the end of their defensive sets would have disappointed coach Willie Swann who will be demanding improvement from his troops this week.
The Bears will be brimming with confidence following a 42-12 demolition of cellar dwellers the Illawarra Cutters.
The home team welcome back Warriors and Kiwis front rower Russell Packer, who returns after off-season surgery for an ongoing bicep problem. The experienced Steve Waetford also moves to the wing to accommodate youngster Carlos Tuimavave’s return to the number six jersey.
The Bears maintain the spine of their team but lose inspirational back-rower Michael Crocker who played a starring role in their victory last week. Crocker will instead line up for the Bears NRL team the South Sydney Rabbitohs in their clash against the Warriors.
Halfback Harry Siejka will once again be a key figure for the Vulcans, while captain John Palavi, who played 80 minutes in the forward pack last week, also shapes as a crucial cog in the Auckland machine.
North Sydney will look to leverage off their impressive forward pack, while their talent out wide can cause damage if given the opportunity.
Kickoff: 12.00pm (NZT) April 7, 2013 at Mount Smart Stadium
Auckland Vulcans:
1: Zoram Watene
2: Tangi Ropati
3: Atelea Nafetalai
4: Siosiua Taukeiaho
5: Steve Waetford
6: Carlos Tuimavave
7: Harry Siejka
8: Suaia Matagi
9: Siliva Havili
10: Daniel Palavi
11: John Palavi
12: Agnatius Paasi
13: Murray ItI
14: Aaron Nootai
15: Abraham Papalii
16: Nathaniel Peteru
17: Russell Packer
18: Patrick Sipley
COACH: Willie Swann
North Sydney Bears:
1. Kieran Vale
2. Mitchell Buckett
3. Shaune Corrigan
4. Dylan Walker
5. Chris Centrone
6. Darren Nicholls (C)
7. Luke Keary
8. Tom Burgess
9. Daniel Fepuleai
10. Josh Starling
11. Kyle Turner
12. Jesse Roberts
13. Matt Hyland
14. Joey Matapuku
15. Brad Lupi
16. Aaron Groom
17. Jordan Tuivaii
18. Josh Portlock
19. Bennett Leslie
Coach: Wayne Lambkin
arl.co.nz
By Corey Rosser
Another Mount Smart triple header is on the cards this Sunday and the opening match between the Auckland Vulcans and North Sydney Bears shapes as a mouth-w...atering contest.
Once again the game will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 2, with coverage starting at 12pm NZT, while Foxtel will show it throughout Australia from 10am onwards.
The last time these two met, in round 24 last year, they played out a thriller at Mount Smart Stadium, where the Vulcans produced one of the upsets of the season, triumphing over the table topping Bears despite sitting way down in eleventh position.
Auckland are a much improved outfit already in 2013 and sit inside the top eight after their draw against Windsor last week.
The Bears head into this match with a three win - one loss record and are an intimidating prospect under the leadership of forwards Josh Starling, who has NRL experience, and Tom Burgess, brother of South Sydney NRL stars Sam, George and Luke.
Unbeaten at home this year, the Vulcans could consider themselves unlucky to have missed out on two points last week but will take heart from what was a gutsy display against a tough Wolves team.
Silly dropped ball and penalties near the end of their defensive sets would have disappointed coach Willie Swann who will be demanding improvement from his troops this week.
The Bears will be brimming with confidence following a 42-12 demolition of cellar dwellers the Illawarra Cutters.
The home team welcome back Warriors and Kiwis front rower Russell Packer, who returns after off-season surgery for an ongoing bicep problem. The experienced Steve Waetford also moves to the wing to accommodate youngster Carlos Tuimavave’s return to the number six jersey.
The Bears maintain the spine of their team but lose inspirational back-rower Michael Crocker who played a starring role in their victory last week. Crocker will instead line up for the Bears NRL team the South Sydney Rabbitohs in their clash against the Warriors.
Halfback Harry Siejka will once again be a key figure for the Vulcans, while captain John Palavi, who played 80 minutes in the forward pack last week, also shapes as a crucial cog in the Auckland machine.
North Sydney will look to leverage off their impressive forward pack, while their talent out wide can cause damage if given the opportunity.
Kickoff: 12.00pm (NZT) April 7, 2013 at Mount Smart Stadium
Auckland Vulcans:
1: Zoram Watene
2: Tangi Ropati
3: Atelea Nafetalai
4: Siosiua Taukeiaho
5: Steve Waetford
6: Carlos Tuimavave
7: Harry Siejka
8: Suaia Matagi
9: Siliva Havili
10: Daniel Palavi
11: John Palavi
12: Agnatius Paasi
13: Murray ItI
14: Aaron Nootai
15: Abraham Papalii
16: Nathaniel Peteru
17: Russell Packer
18: Patrick Sipley
COACH: Willie Swann
North Sydney Bears:
1. Kieran Vale
2. Mitchell Buckett
3. Shaune Corrigan
4. Dylan Walker
5. Chris Centrone
6. Darren Nicholls (C)
7. Luke Keary
8. Tom Burgess
9. Daniel Fepuleai
10. Josh Starling
11. Kyle Turner
12. Jesse Roberts
13. Matt Hyland
14. Joey Matapuku
15. Brad Lupi
16. Aaron Groom
17. Jordan Tuivaii
18. Josh Portlock
19. Bennett Leslie
Coach: Wayne Lambkin
arl.co.nz
