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Auckland Vulcans

LeagueNut

LeagueNut

First Grade
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6,975
ozbash said:
Going to dust off my life size JRo doll
Click to expand...
Interesting euphemism...

dustoff_zps4cc9534e.jpg
 
Last edited:
ozbash

ozbash

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Messages
26,922
back on track, dudes...

VB NSW Cup Rd #7 Preview - Auckland Vulcans vs. Wests Tigers

By Corey Rosser

A bye and weather affected round of footy means both the Auckland Vulcans and Wests Tigers head into this round seven clash having had last week off.
...
The Vulcans collected two points for the bye after gaining their first away win of the season against Mounties the week prior.

The Wests Tigers could be forgiven for feeling a little rusty heading into this match, they have not played any footy for three weeks due to a bye and their clash being postponed last week due to the torrid conditions.

The time off couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Tigers who would have been looking to drive forward with the confidence gained from there hard fought four point victory over the Bulldogs on April 6.

With their poor away record thus far in 2013 the Vulcans know that every home game is a crucial one and will be relying on taking the two points on Saturday afternoon.

The home team have a settled look amongst their side and are strengthened by the return of Charlie Gubb to what was already arguably the best front row in the competition.

Youngster Carlos Tuimavave will be missed in the number six jersey, but local lad Cody Walker gets the opportunity to step up in his absence.

The key for the Vulcans will as always be their forward pack, but look for the likes of Atelea Nafetali to cause trouble for the Tigers out wide. The centre has been in devastating form of late and must be enjoying having such a dominate forward pack to work off.

Wests welcome back young NRL front rower Matt Groat who will make his first start since last year, his battle against the likes of Gubb and Suaia Matagi will make for interesting viewing.

The halfback spot is the real strength for the Tigers however, Jacob Miller is experienced beyond his years and will no doubt look to test out the Vulcans back three with his kicking game early on, particularly if conditions are wet at Mount Smart Stadium.

Captain Sean Meaney is a class act in the number one jersey, while hooker Masada Iosefa will need no introduction to the Auckland fans, the hooker played for the Junior Kiwis in 2007.

Entry to the match is free, so if you are around Auckland get down to the stadium to see some top class NSW Cup football.
Kickoff 1pm, Mount Smart Stadium, Sat April 27.

Auckland Vulcans:
(1) Zoram Watene
(2) Tangi Ropati
(3) Agnatius Paasi
(4) Atelea Nafetali
(5) Malakai Watene-Zelezniak
(6) Cody Walker
(7) Harry Siejka
(8) Charlie Gubb
(9) Siliva Havili
(10) Suaia Matagi
(11) John Palavi
(12) Sebastine Ikahihifo
(13) Murray Iti

(14) Alehana Mara
(15) Patrick Sipley
(16) Daniel Palavi
(17) Nathaniel Peteru
Coach: Willie Swann

Wests Tigers:
1 Sean Meaney (c)
2 Taqele Naiyaravoro
3 Tim Simona
4 Rory Brien
5 Asipeli Fine
6 Jack Madden
7 Jacob Miller
8 Michael Bullock
9 Masada Iosefa
10 Matt Groat
11 Sitaleki Akauolo
12 Jarrod Farlow
13 Joel Luani
14 Soni Passi
15 Adrian Haangana
16 David Harris
17 Josh Davis
18 Inno Inosesio
19 Seffa Silafau
20 Jy Hitchcock
 
ozbash

ozbash

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VB NSW Cup Rd #7 match report - Auckland Vulcans vs. Wests Tigers

By Corey Rosser at Mount Smart Stadium

There were tries galore at Mount Smart Stadium, but i...n the end the Auckland Vulcans triumphed with a late try to beat the Wests Tigers 26-24.

Greasy conditions greeted both teams in the early exchanges, with heavy patches of rain making ball control difficult.

Just five minutes in the Vulcans were rewarded for a good kick chase where they were able to pin the Tigers deep in their own territory.

From the ensuing possession Tangi Ropati scooped up a loose ball and tiptoed ten meters down the line to score in the corner to take a four point lead.

Soft dummy half defence was to blame for the Tigers drawing equal on 12 minutes. Captain Sean Meaney crashing over from close range.

Moments later the Vulcans once again targeted the Tigers left edge defence, Sebastine Ikahihifo fighting his way over to score before centre Tim Simona squared it up after a lovely Tigers overlap.

Struggling to deal with the big Vulcans pack in the greasy conditions, Wests conceded off a quick play the ball which set Suaia Matagi up with a bulldozing run under the posts. The first conversion of the day gave the Vulcans a 14-8 lead.

With halftime in sight Auckland were gifted a penalty in front of the posts, they took the two and stretched the gap to eight heading into the break.

The sun made an appearance at the start of the second half and so too did the Tigers attack. Two tries in six minutes left the Vulcans behind 20-16 after looking in control for most of the first stanza.

Minutes later the seesawing nature of the contest continued, with the in-form Atelea Nafetali crossing.

A Jarrod Farlow try with eight to go looked to have won the game for the impressive Tigers, but the determination of home team allowed them to hit back through Nafetali once again.

The final few minutes had the fans out of their seats, both teams throwing everything they had at each other in a thrilling display of rugby league.

But the Vulcans did enough to ensure the two points went their way, claiming a third win for the season 26-24.

Next week both teams face clashes against top of the table sides in the VB NSW Cup. The Vulcans clashing with Cronulla at Henson Park, the Tigers against Bears at the North Sydney Oval.


Auckland Vulcans 26: Tries (Ropati, Ikahihifo, Matagi, Nafetali 2)

Wests Tigers 24: Tries (Meaney, Simona, Inosesio, Farlow)


Next match: Cronulla Sharks vs Auckland Vulcans 13:00 Henson Park
 
ozbash

ozbash

Referee
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26,922
Vulcan Stats, so far..

After seven games in the VB NSW Cup the Auckland Vulcans sit in fifth place following their most recent victory over the Wests Tigers.
The form of front rowers Suaia Matagi and Daniel Palavi has been a highlight thus far, as has young hooker Siliva Havili.
Havili was selected to play for Tonga in the recent test match against Samoa and is the leading Vulcans player in the VB NSW Cup player of the year rankings.
Atelea Nafetalai, who spent the offseason training with the Vodafone Warriors, has made a booming start to the year and is the standout among the try scorers in the Auckland squad with six to his name.
Impressively Matagi is the second highest on the try scorers list for the team, with three tries front the front row position, while fellow forward Murray Iti has also dotted down twice.
Star recruit Harry Seijka leads the point scoring haul on the back of his impressive 78% goal kicking accuracy and two tries.
While in the overall appearences list there are seven players who have turned out in every game so far in 2013. Captain John Palavi is joined by Agnatius Paasi, Nafetalai, Daniel Palavi, Iti, Matagi and new signing Zoram Watene

Stat leaders after round #7:



Top Tries:
Atelea Nafetalai- 6
Suaia Matagi - 3
Carlos, Harry, Murray, Tangi - 2

Most Points:
Harry Seijka - 44 (18 Goals @ 78% & 2 tries)
Atelea Nafetalai- 24 (6 tries)

Most Appearances: (All on 7)
Agnatius Paasi
Atelea Nafetalai
Dan Palavi
John Palavi
Murray Iti
Suaia Matagi
Zoram Watene

http://www.sportingpulse.com/club_i...ID=74125&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=23381293
 
Iafeta

Iafeta

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The more I see and hear about John Palavi, the more I think we won't miss Elijah Taylor. Very level head on his shoulders, very humble, hard working, extremely intelligent (dude I think was doing a medical degree), and an all round good player. Hopefully he remains in reserve grade this year, Palavi, Taukeiaho, even the likes of the Lousi boys would benefit with another 20 games at that level before coming forward to first grade. As would Carlos Tuimavave, great ball player, just needs a little work on his rythym and his defence.
 
ozbash

ozbash

Referee
Messages
26,922
VB NSW Cup Rd 8 Team Announcement - Auckland Vulcans v Cronulla

1 Glen Fisiiahi
2 Tangi Ropati
3 Konrad Hurrell
... 4 Atelea Nafetalai
5 Zoram Watene
6 Carlos Tuimavave
7 Harry Siejka
8 Charlie Gubb
9 Siliva Havili
10 Suaia Matagi
11 John Palavi
12 Sebastine Ikahihifo
13 Murray Iti

Interchange:
14 Alehana Mara
15 Nathaniel Peteru
16 Daniel Palavi
17 Agnatius Paasi
18 Patrick Sipley
 
MKEB...

MKEB...

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5,982
Is Charlie Gubb playing like he deserves a spot in first grade yet? I know he has been injured, but if Packer doesn't carry his weight then...
 
Rich102

Rich102

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It will be interesting to see Mark Ioane this weekend. I really liked him and was sorry he left.
 
Iafeta

Iafeta

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24,357
I agree, Ioane was a workhorse. Areeaiti was more the impact man. My understanding on both those guys is they thought they were sweet for props with Matulino, Packer, Sam Rapira, Lillyman, Lousi and the Warriors thought a lot of Ioane in particular and worked to try to help them find clubs who could get them at least a fringe first grade contract. Areeaiti is a player I'd like to look at again TBH, he got a game last year for Souths against us and I thought he went quite well. He's now playing for the Penrith feeder side Windsor Wolves and I thought he was good against the Vulcans in the televised game.

Hope Ioane goes well. Good young player.
 
ozbash

ozbash

Referee
Messages
26,922
VB NSW Cup rd #8 preview - Cronulla Sharks vs. Auckland Vulcans at Henson Park.

By Corey Rosser

The Auckland Vulcans head to the graveyard that is Henson Park to tackle the most intimidating prospect in the VB NSW Cup - the Cronulla Sharks.
...
Unbeaten so far this year the Sharks have been near perfect in their previous outings and once again produce a formidable thanks to their joint affiliation with both the Cronulla Sharks and Melbourne Storm NRL sides.

The Vulcans will travel off the back of an encouraging victory over the Wests Tigers at Mount Smart last week, but will require a much improved effort if they are any shot against this week’s opponents.

Cronulla have strength all over the park, but it is their halves combination which possesses the biggest threat to any rival.
Standoff Brett Finch has 257 first grade games to his name, while Chad Townsend is one of the brightest young half prospects in rugby league.

The Sharkie’s back five is also a talking point. Nathan Gardner is a superstar at fullback, while Maurice Blair and Matthew Wright are both experienced campaigners.

The Vulcans retain the core side that has served them well all year, but have exciting editions in Konrad Hurrell and Carlos Tuimavave.

Hurrell has produced some exciting moments for Warriors fans throughout the opening two months of the competition, but coach Matt Elliot has opted to give him a run in the NSW Cup competition this week.

In his last appearance for Auckland, against North Sydney Bears in round 24 last year, Hurrell was a standout, scoring two tries in an upset victory.

While Hurrell’s colleague in the centres, Atelea Nafetalai, is the other key man for the Vulcans.

In the past three games Nafetalai has scored four tries and his presence is sure to cause Cronulla plenty of headaches.
Expect an entertaining affair between two quality VB NSW Cup teams, with plenty of end to end action.

The Vulcans will need a good start if they are to reign supreme at Henson Park, while the Sharks just need to do what they have done throughout the first seven games.

Referee: Lawrence McDonell
Saturday, May 4, Kick-off: 1.00pm


Auckland Vulcans:
1. Glen Fisiiahi
2. Tangi Ropati
3. Konrad Hurrell
4. Atelea Nafetalai
5. Zoram Watene
6. Carlos Tuimavave
7. Harry Siejka
8. Charlie Gubb
9. Siliva Havili
10. Suaia Matagi
11. John Palavi
12. Sebastine Ikahihifo
13. Murray Iti
14. Alehana Mara
15. Nathaniel Peteru
16. Daniel Palavi
17. Agnatius Paasi
18. Patrick Sipley
COACH: Willie Swann


Cronulla Sharks:
1. Nathan Gardner
2. Young Tonumaipea
3. Maurice Blair
4. Matthew Wright
5. Sosaia Feki
6. Brett Finch
7. Chad Townsend
8. Jordan McLean
9. Pat Politoni
10. Mark Taufua
11. Kirisome Auva’a
12. Tupou Sopoaga
13. Tyrone Peachey
14. Tim Robinson
15. Tony Gigot
16. Penani Manumalealii
17. Rodney Coates
20. Junior Roqica
22. Daniel Moroko
COACH: Tony Herman
 
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