Bulldogs v Knights preview
110 mins ago | Andy P
Canterbury claim Capital Clash over Warriors
The New Zealand Warriors have blown another second half lead as the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs surged home with three second half tries to win, 24-16 at Westpac Stadium in front of a healthy 30,112.
The Warriors looked strong and dominated early with three tries in the first 30 minutes. The first posted after only five minutes as 'The Beast', Manu Vatuvei crossed thanks to a strong run and pass from his fullback in Glen Fisiiahi.
The second four-pointer was claimed by Thomas Leulai, who scored his first try since returning to the Auckland based club. Prop forward, Russell Packer laid the foundation with a strong run and offload at the line.
'The Beast' in action again, this time for the final Warriors try of the first half, his floating pass saw Glen Fisiiahi bolt away to score under the uprights. After 30 minutes the Warriors lead the Bulldogs 16-0.
It took 36 minutes, but the Bulldogs found their groove as Michael Ennis crossed for the first Blue and White points. Trent Hodkinson and Frank Pritchard created the play as the Bulldogs spread the ball right to left across the field.
At half time in the Capital Clash, the Warriors looked the goods as they lead 16-6.
The second half saw the Bulldogs fire and rampage over the Warriors pack. Ben Barba on display with his quick hands leading to Sam Perrett diving over in the corner untouched by the Warriors defence. 10 minutes until the second half, Warriors lead 16-12.
The Bulldogs sealed the victory with two late second half tries inside the final four minutes. Ben Barba, named the LeagueUnlimited.com match of the man, created his own four-pointer with a show and go of the Steeden as he charged through the defence. The video refereed called into review, but no issues with the possible obstruction.
Josh Reynolds posted the final points with a solo 60 metre dash as he picked up a shocking pass from Feleti Mateo to race away untouched. The Bulldogs secured the victory with the try, as they ran away winners, 24-16.
An honourable mention to Trent Hodkinson whose kicking game has been pin-point since returning to the side.
The second half saw the Bulldogs fire and rampage over the Warriors pack. Ben Barba on display with his quick hands leading to Sam Perrett diving over in the corner untouched by the Warriors defence. 10 minutes until the second half, Warriors lead 16-12.
The Bulldogs sealed the victory with two late second half tries inside the final four minutes. Ben Barba, named the LeagueUnlimited.com match of the man, created his own four-pointer with a show and go of the Steeden as he charged through the defence. The video refereed called into review, but no issues with the possible obstruction.
Josh Reynolds posted the final points with a solo 60 metre dash as he picked up a shocking pass from Feleti Mateo to race away untouched. The Bulldogs secured the victory with the try, as they ran away winners, 24-16.
An honourable mention to Trent Hodkinson whose kicking game has been pin-point since returning to the side.
Match Details
New Zealand Warriors 16 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 24
Venue: Wellington Stadium
Crowd: 30112
Halftime Score: New Zealand Warriors 16-6
LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Ben Barba
2 points - Josh Morris
1 point - James Graham
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS (16)
Tries: Manu Vatuvei, Thomas Leuluai, Glen Fisiiahi
Field Goals:
Conversions: Shaun Johnson (2/3)
Penalty Goals:
CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS (24)
Tries: Michael Ennis, Sam Perrett, Ben Barba, Josh Reynolds
Field Goals:
Conversions: Trent Hodkinson (4/4)
Penalty Goals:
LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary
Welcome to LeagueUnlimited.com's coverage LIVE from Westpac Stadium in Wellington as the New Zealand Warriors host the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
TEAM CHANGES:
Bulldogs – 1-17
Warriors – Sam Rapira, Konrad Hurrell have been ruled out. Ben Matulino comes into the starting side along with, Carlos Tuimavave who shift to centre. Suia Matagi debuts on the bench
Warriors: 1. Glen Fisiiahi 2. Bill Tupou 3. Ben Henry 18. Carlos Tuimavave 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Thomas Leuluai 7. Shaun Johnson 14. Ben Matulino 9. Nathan Friend 10. Russell Packer 11. Feleti Mateo 12. Simon Mannering (C) 13. Todd Lowrie
Interchange: 15. Jacob Lillyman 16. Elijah Taylor 17. Pita Godinet 20. Suia Matagi
Bulldogs: 1. Ben Barba 2. Mitch Brown 3. Josh Morris 4. Tim Lafai 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Ennis (C) 10. Sam Kasiano 11. Tony Williams 12. Frank Pritchard 13. Greg Eastwood
Interchange; 14. Dene Halatau 15. Josh Jackson 16. James Graham 17. Dale Finucane
TEAM CHANGES:
Bulldogs – 1-17
Warriors – Sam Rapira, Konrad Hurrell have been ruled out. Ben Matulino comes into the starting side along with, Carlos Tuimavave who shift to centre. Suia Matagi debuts on the bench
Warriors: 1. Glen Fisiiahi 2. Bill Tupou 3. Ben Henry 18. Carlos Tuimavave 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Thomas Leuluai 7. Shaun Johnson 14. Ben Matulino 9. Nathan Friend 10. Russell Packer 11. Feleti Mateo 12. Simon Mannering (C) 13. Todd Lowrie
Interchange: 15. Jacob Lillyman 16. Elijah Taylor 17. Pita Godinet 20. Suia Matagi
Bulldogs: 1. Ben Barba 2. Mitch Brown 3. Josh Morris 4. Tim Lafai 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Ennis (C) 10. Sam Kasiano 11. Tony Williams 12. Frank Pritchard 13. Greg Eastwood
Interchange; 14. Dene Halatau 15. Josh Jackson 16. James Graham 17. Dale Finucane
1 min: We are UNDERWAY at Westpac Stadium with the Bulldogs kicking off to give the Warriors first use
2 min: Good opening sets from both sides, end to end stuff so far. Ben Barba with the ball on his 10 metre line, got it away to Mitch Brown who starts the Bulldogs second set deep on their own half
3 min: UNFORCED ERROR CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Frank Pritchard makes an unforced error.
Frank Pritchard comes up with a mistake as the Bulldogs attempted to shift the ball to the left. Warriors with possession on the zero tackle
Frank Pritchard makes an unforced error.
Frank Pritchard comes up with a mistake as the Bulldogs attempted to shift the ball to the left. Warriors with possession on the zero tackle
5 min: TRY NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Scored by Manu Vatuvei. Conversion attempt by Shaun Johnson unsuccessful.
Manu Vatuvei comes up with first points has backed up support off a great line break and run from Glenn Fisiiahi. Warriors make the Bulldogs pay for the mistake at the other end of the field. Shaun Johnson with the conversion attempt fails to extend the lead from the left touchline
New Zealand Warriors 4-0
Scored by Manu Vatuvei. Conversion attempt by Shaun Johnson unsuccessful.
Manu Vatuvei comes up with first points has backed up support off a great line break and run from Glenn Fisiiahi. Warriors make the Bulldogs pay for the mistake at the other end of the field. Shaun Johnson with the conversion attempt fails to extend the lead from the left touchline
New Zealand Warriors 4-0
8 min: Penalty to the Bulldogs against the Warriors for a hand in the ruck after the held call. Greg Eastwood earning the penalty as he attempted a quick play of the ball. Michael Ennis takes the quick tap 30 metres out from the Warriors goal line
8 min: ZERO tackle for the Bulldogs despite a juggle of the ball from Frank Pritchard
9 min: On the first tackle Josh Reynolds attacked the line with a short grubber but it's off the Warriors, the tackle count restarts again as the Bulldogs attack 10 metres out
10 min: Great goal line defence from the Warriors as the Bulldogs were unable to crack for points. Trent Hodkinson's kick on the last tackle is allowed to roll dead, 20 metre restart for the Warriors.
11 min: Penalty to the Warriors against the Bulldogs for jumping early, Warriors kick up field and attack 30 metres out from the line
12 min: Todd Lowrie is caught on the last tackle without result, but good runs from Shaun Johnson and Mateo in the set. Some danger signs from both teams so far
12 min: UNFORCED ERROR CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Greg Eastwood makes an unforced error.
Greg Eastwood gives up possession in a big tackle, Ben Henry dives on the ball and the Warriors have the tackle count restarted at zero. Attacking just short of the halfway line.
Greg Eastwood makes an unforced error.
Greg Eastwood gives up possession in a big tackle, Ben Henry dives on the ball and the Warriors have the tackle count restarted at zero. Attacking just short of the halfway line.
13 min: Penalty to the Warriors against Krisnan Inu, Warriors push up with the crowd chanting them on as they attack 20 metres out
14 min: Greg Eastwood with a diving knock flick of the ball over the dead ball line as Shaun Johnson looked to set up a try off a short grubber kick to the corner. Line drop out for the Warriors, it goes 40 metres off the kick off Ben Barba
15 min: Third penalty in five minutes for the Warriors, pressure on the Canterbury side, attacking 10 metres out
15 min: Fourth penalty now for the Warriors, high tackle from Frank Pritchard on Shaun Johnson. Warriors have to score in the set.
17 min: TRY NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Scored by Thomas Leuluai. Conversion attempt by Shaun Johnson successful.
Thomas Leuluai dives over next to the posts as Russell Packer pushed forward and popped a pass short to his five-eighth. Great pressure and result from the Warriors, they have the Bulldogs on the back foot. Shaun Johnson with the conversion makes no mistake this time.
New Zealand Warriors 10-0
Scored by Thomas Leuluai. Conversion attempt by Shaun Johnson successful.
Thomas Leuluai dives over next to the posts as Russell Packer pushed forward and popped a pass short to his five-eighth. Great pressure and result from the Warriors, they have the Bulldogs on the back foot. Shaun Johnson with the conversion makes no mistake this time.
New Zealand Warriors 10-0
19 min: Penalty to the Bulldogs against Manu Vatuvei who was ruled offside from the last tackle kick from Shaun Johnson
21 min: Josh Reynolds has been penalised for holding down in the ruck. Warriors attacking 40 metres away from the Bulldogs try line
21 min: A mistake from the Warriors and on the turn over a penalty awarded to the Bulldogs, possession with Canterbury as they attack 40 metres from the Warriors goal line
22 min: Bulldogs spread the ball wide to the left and Josh Morris is unable to remain in the field of play as the Warriors defence slide him over the touchline. Scrum feed to the Warriors, 10 metres
23 min: Josh Morris decides to run the ball on the last tackle, he kicked ahead for himself but the ball is collected at the back by Glen Fisiiahi. No result for the Bulldogs.
25 min: Mistake from the Warriors hands over possession to the Bulldogs with a scrum feed 40 metres away from the Warriors goal line
26 min: Josh Morris darted over the goal line but the Warriors scramble and hold him up on the 4th tackle.
27 min: Tremendous goal line pressure from the Bulldogs, Warriors cleaned up the loose ball on the last tackle by the Bulldogs defence force a line drop out
28 min: The Bulldogs try a last ditch effort on the last tackle, Ben Barba with a quick grubber through the line, but Fisiiahi dives on the ball shy of the goal line
29 min: Another penalty to the Warriors, a free help out of the red zone
31 min: TRY NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Scored by Glen Fisiiahi. Conversion attempt by Shaun Johnson successful.
Manu Vatuvei bolted 30 metres through the Bulldogs defence, he through a floating pass back inside for Glen Fisiiahi to race away under the sticks. Shaun Johnson with the conversion extends this big early lead
New Zealand Warriors 16-0
Scored by Glen Fisiiahi. Conversion attempt by Shaun Johnson successful.
Manu Vatuvei bolted 30 metres through the Bulldogs defence, he through a floating pass back inside for Glen Fisiiahi to race away under the sticks. Shaun Johnson with the conversion extends this big early lead
New Zealand Warriors 16-0
33 min: UNFORCED ERROR NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Todd Lowrie makes an unforced error.
Todd Lowrie comes up with a mistake in the tackle as he went to ground. Scrum feed to the Bulldogs 35 metres out from the Warriors goal line
Todd Lowrie makes an unforced error.
Todd Lowrie comes up with a mistake in the tackle as he went to ground. Scrum feed to the Bulldogs 35 metres out from the Warriors goal line
34 min: ZERO tackle for the Bulldogs as the kick on the last is played at by the Warriors, Bulldogs attack on the goal line with a full set
36 min: TRY CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Scored by Michael Ennis. Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson successful.
Michael Ennis claims the first points for the Bulldogs as he linked with Trent Hodkinson who offloaded to Frank Pritchard. Frank popped a short pass away out the back for Ennis who darted over. Trent Hodkinson with the kick adds the extras
New Zealand Warriors 16-6
Scored by Michael Ennis. Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson successful.
Michael Ennis claims the first points for the Bulldogs as he linked with Trent Hodkinson who offloaded to Frank Pritchard. Frank popped a short pass away out the back for Ennis who darted over. Trent Hodkinson with the kick adds the extras
New Zealand Warriors 16-6
38 min: UNFORCED ERROR CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Frank Pritchard makes an unforced error.
Frank Pritchard charged into the Warriors goal line defence as Michael Ennis threw the cut out pass to him. Scrum feed packs for the Warriors on their own 10 metre line
Frank Pritchard makes an unforced error.
Frank Pritchard charged into the Warriors goal line defence as Michael Ennis threw the cut out pass to him. Scrum feed packs for the Warriors on their own 10 metre line
40 min: The Bulldogs push the pass on the last play of the half but nothing comes off it. HALF TIME at Westpac Stadium, Warriors lead the Bulldogs 16-6
41 min: Second half is UNDERWAY with the Warriors kicking off
41 min: UNFORCED ERROR CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Frank Pritchard makes an unforced error.
Sam Kasiano attempted to push the play with a short pass to Frank Pritchard, Frank was unable to hold the ball and take the pass. Scrum feed to the Warriors deep in their own half
Frank Pritchard makes an unforced error.
Sam Kasiano attempted to push the play with a short pass to Frank Pritchard, Frank was unable to hold the ball and take the pass. Scrum feed to the Warriors deep in their own half
44 min: Line drop out for Bulldogs as the pressure mounts on the Warriors.
48 min: Bulldogs get a penalty and attack 40 metres way from the Warriors goal line
50 min: TRY CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Scored by Sam Perrett. Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson successful.
The Bulldogs with a great pass with a spreading set, Ben Barba with quick hands to Tim Lafai, he links with Sam Perrett who dives over untouched in the corner. Trent Hodkinson from the right touchline slots the conversion
New Zealand Warriors 16-12
Scored by Sam Perrett. Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson successful.
The Bulldogs with a great pass with a spreading set, Ben Barba with quick hands to Tim Lafai, he links with Sam Perrett who dives over untouched in the corner. Trent Hodkinson from the right touchline slots the conversion
New Zealand Warriors 16-12
54 min: Tony Williams jumped for the ball off the kick on the last tackle but somehow Manu Vatuvei got the last touch before going dead. Line drop out for the Bulldogs
55 min: UNFORCED ERROR CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Frank Pritchard makes an unforced error.
Frank Pritchard tried to play the ball too quickly and it's dropped in the ruck. Scrum feed for the Warriors on their own 20 metre line
Frank Pritchard makes an unforced error.
Frank Pritchard tried to play the ball too quickly and it's dropped in the ruck. Scrum feed for the Warriors on their own 20 metre line
55 min: Penalty to the Warriors against Tony Williams, being offside at the play of the ball and he made a tackle
60 min: Penalty to the Warriors for a strip in the ruck against the Bulldogs. Shaun Johnson kicks for touch and the Warriors attack 10 metres from the goal line
62 min: Penalty to the Bulldogs, kick for touch and the Bulldogs attack 35 metres away from the goal
63 min: UNFORCED ERROR CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Josh Morris makes an unforced error.
The Bulldogs spreading it wide again, this time to the right but Josh Morris on the 4th tackle charged through the defence and dropped the ball
Josh Morris makes an unforced error.
The Bulldogs spreading it wide again, this time to the right but Josh Morris on the 4th tackle charged through the defence and dropped the ball
67 min: Thomas Leuluai with a quick grubber through the line for Manu Vatuvei but it bounces over his head. Scrum feed backs with the ball going over the sideline, Bulldogs with possession 20 metres away from their own line
70 min: Penalty to the Bulldogs for offside against the Warriors, Trent Hodkinson kicks for touch. Bulldogs start their set on halfway
72 min: Time off here with Glen Fisiiahi down after being cleaned up by Michael Ennis, but the replay shows a falcon on the head of Ennis
75 min: VIDEO REFEREE for the Bulldogs, Ben Barba has scored. We are looking at obstruction
76 min: TRY CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Scored by Ben Barba. Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson successful.
Ben Barba with a lovely show and go, darted through the line. The video referee awards the try without a call of obstruction as Shaun Johnson firstly committed to the tackle of Josh Morris. Trent Hodkinson with a beautiful swinging kick converts from touch
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 18-16
Scored by Ben Barba. Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson successful.
Ben Barba with a lovely show and go, darted through the line. The video referee awards the try without a call of obstruction as Shaun Johnson firstly committed to the tackle of Josh Morris. Trent Hodkinson with a beautiful swinging kick converts from touch
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 18-16
77 min: TRY CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS
Scored by Josh Reynolds. Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson successful.
Josh Reyolds has picked up a shocking pass from Feleti Mateo, the ball on the ground, Reynolds bolted away 60 metres to score untouched. Trent Hodkinson from the right touchline is successful again, all skill and talent with the boot
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 24-16
Scored by Josh Reynolds. Conversion attempt by Trent Hodkinson successful.
Josh Reyolds has picked up a shocking pass from Feleti Mateo, the ball on the ground, Reynolds bolted away 60 metres to score untouched. Trent Hodkinson from the right touchline is successful again, all skill and talent with the boot
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 24-16
80 min: FULL TIME at Westpac Stadium sees the Bulldogs fight back from behind to win 24-16 over the Warriors