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Ryan Crotty passing the ball during training. Canterbury training session, - Source: Photosport -
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Canterbury v Hawke's Bay, 7:35pm in Christchurch
Last clash: Canterbury beat Hawke's Bay 20-3 (semi-final
2009)
TAB: Canterbury $1.25, Hawke's Bay $3.75
Hawke's Bay may not have beaten Canterbury in 28-years but this clash has quickly developed into one of the must see NPC fixtures.
Last year of course, in the corresponding round robin fixture in Napier, Hawke's Bay was denied a late try to Sona Taumalolo that could have given them the opportunity to draw the match.
That decision alone was responsible for the NZRU reintroducing TMOs and for that we're forever grateful.
Canterbury then went on to beat Hawke's Bay comfortably in the 2009 semi-final but this season both teams have a fresh look to them.
The Red and Blacks welcome seven newcomers, six of whom start from the bench, but all eyes of will be on Stephen Brett as he attempts to convince the All Blacks selectors that he is still a viable option in the unfamiliar role of second five-eight.
The Magpies have parted ways with some influential members from last - Matt Berquist, Thomas Waldrom and Taumalolo, - but have some exciting new additions including former NRL star Luke Rooney, promising first five-eight Daniel Kirkpatrick and slick halfback Kahn Fotuali'I.
Not surprisingly, Hawke's Bay are massive underdogs for this fixture but it's noteworthy to point out that Canterbury have started each of the last two seasons with opening-round losses before going on to claim the provincial crown.
Key: The start. If Hawke's Bay can get into an arm
wrestle an upset could be on the cards.
Tip : Canterbury
Canterbury: Sean Maitland, Patrick Osborne, Ryan Crotty, Stephen Brett, Tu Umaga-Marshall, Colin Slade, Willi Heinz, Ash Parker, George Whitelock (captain), Matt Todd, Isaac Ross, Luke Romano, Pete Borlase, Steve Fualau, Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: Paul Ngauamo, Andrew Olorenshaw, Rob Verbakel, Brendon O'Connor, Matt George, Robbie Flynn, Telusa Veainu
Hawke's Bay: Luke Rooney, Richard Buckman, Jason Shoemark (c), Ryan McLeod, Zac Guildford, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Kahn Fotuali'I, Michael Koman , Karl Lowe, Trent Boswell-Wakefield, Ross Kennedy, Bryn Evans, Clint Newlands, Hika Elliot, Kas Lealamanua.
Reserves: John Keys, Eugene Smith, Grant Webb, Leighton Price, Chris Eaton, Andrew Horrell, Mark Jackman
