VB NSW Cup rd #24 preview - Vulcans vs. Magpies:
By Corey Rosser
These two teams won’t have to strain their memories too hard to recall their last meeting, and for one team the mental wounds will still be raw....
Only three weeks ago the Vulcans beat the Magpies 44-10 at Mount Smart Stadium, and needless to say Wentworthville will have revenge on their minds when they met again this Sunday.
That game kick started a three match winning streak for Auckland, who recently claimed a valuable away win against Wyong.
The Vulcans appear to well and truly have their mojo back and are once again challenging for a top six spot as the competition races towards the finals.
Last week’s win came at a cost however, with in form forward Sebastine Ikahihifo joining hooker Alehana Mara as causalities from the match.
As a result both will miss this fixture in what is sure to be a blow to the Vulcans.
It’s not all bad news however - they keep Charlie Gubb who avoided suspension following a visit to the judiciary this week, while powerful front rower Daniel Palavi returns to the frame also.
With Mara out young hooker Siliva Havili becomes a key man for this match up, and his ability to control the ruck will go a long way to deciding the fixture.
The Vulcans strength in this clash sits in their back line, which in the clash a few weeks ago proved too big, too strong and too fast for the Magpies to defend.
The likes of centre Siosiua Taukeiaho will keep them on guard for the full 80 and have the potential to once again ensure this match ends with the Vulcans taking away the two points.
One man who consistently challenged Auckland in the last match was Manu Mau, a former Vulcan himself, his ability to run a quality line created plenty of issues. The fact that he will miss this match means much of that responsibility will fall on Kiwi boy Kenny Edwards.
With many of their star players, such as Jake Mullaney, currently required by the Parramatta Eels, Wenty are a depleted outfit. Yet they still have plenty of talent and ability and are a real shot in this match, particularly back on home turf.
The game is crucial for the Magpies who currently sit in ninth spot, tied with Mounties for eighth. If they hope to be a part of finals footy then they will need to win the majority of their remaining fixtures.
Auckland on the other hand won’t want to halt their momentum as they run into some rich form at the right end of the season.
Wentworthville Magpies Vs Auckland Vulcans
Ringrose Park, Sunday, August 25
Kick-off: 3.00pm AEST
Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Broadcast:
www.nswrl.com.au’s NSWRL Match Centre Scoreboard
Wentworthville Magpies:
1. Charlie Herekotukutuku
2. Dylon Gilbert
3. KJ MacKenzie
4. Cecil MacKenzie
5. Domenic Reardon
6. Matthew Place
7. Brendan Waters
8. Lorenzo Ma-afu
9. Brendan McKinnon
10. Taniela Lasalo
11. Pat Mataele
18. Kenny Edwards
13. Danny Howard
14. Dean Parata
15. Walter Vaeau
16. Tim Wynn
17. Daniel Penese
COACH: Brett Cook
Auckland Vulcans:
1. Tangi Ropati
2. Viliami Lolohea
3. Siosiua Taukeiaho
20. Agnatius Paasi
5. Atelea Nafetalai
6. Steve Waetford
7. Pita Godinet
8. Herman Retzlaff
9. Siliva Havili
10. Charlie Gubb
11. John Palavi
12. Murray Iti
13. David Bhana
14. Aaron Nootai
15. Raymond Faitala-Mariner
16. Nathaniel Peteru
17. Daniel Palavi
COACH: Willie Swann