NZ Bartercard
Cup - Round 10 preview

New Zealand's Bartercard Cup competition kicks back into action this week with Round 10 in full swing. The New Zealand A's win last Sunday against the NSW Country side will set up the competition well as we count down to the end of the season.

Round 10 Bartercard Cup fixtures:

Saturday 10 July 2004

Second placed Mt Albert Lions head down to Palmerston North to play the Central Falcons.

The Lions have been on fire in the last few rounds posting some big scores. The Falcons have also put in some good performances of late. In Round 9 they made the competition leaders, Marist Richmond Brothers, really work for the win and may just do the same to the visiting Lions.

Central Falcons vs Mt Albert Lions Fitzherbert Park, Palmerston North 2.30pm Kick Off

Central Falcons: W. Live, S. Forbes, N. Hohaia, M. Whakatihi, T. Cahill, T. Clune, G. Kerrisk, W. Wharepapa, P. Amua, M. Graham (C), M. Tauitupou, T. Greig, K. Savage Reserves: (No.14 TBA), J. Watson, D. Fa'apito, R. Hurunui Coach: Peter Sixtus

Mt Albert Lions: A. Bauer, M. Manu, R. Godfrey, A. Swann, R. Baxter, S. Buckingham (C), J. Noble, S. Pouha, F. Talaepa, F. Soutar, R. Wigg, M. Asaou, T. Tuimavave Reserves: (No.14 TBA), A. Fungapo, D. Davis, J. Todd Coach: Brian McClennan / Noora Samuela

Marist Richmond Brothers host the Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions on Saturday afternoon. The last time these two sides meet was in the rain and mud of Rotorua where the game ended in a hard fought draw.

Marist are sitting pretty at the top of the ladder and I think this time around the Stallions may just face their fourth straight loss.

Marist Richmond Brothers vs Waicoa Bay Stallions Murray Halberg Park, Auckland 2.30pm Kick Off

Marist Richmond Brothers: J. Tiavale, T. Ropati, A. Murray, R. Henry, M. Taulapapa, G. Rota, B. Perenara, K. Cawdron, M. France, A. Su'a, H. Turua (C), K. Guttenbeil, R. Seuala Reserves: S. Sika, B. Douglas, E. Leavai, J. Pukepuke Coach: Bernie Perenara

Waicoa Bay Stallions: J. Auru, D. Campbell-Benson, V. Moana-Mason, J. Kaho, H. Wilson, B. Whitiora, T. Matthews, B. Tawera, N. Kaa, J. David, C. Norton (C), S. Rapira, K. Tumoana Reserves: M. Walker, T. Soti, B. Roberts, K. Wilson Coach: Tawera Nikau / Len Reid

Unfortunately for the Hibiscus Coast Raiders when they travel down to Christchurch two of their big players will not be amongst them. Daniel Floyd fractured his jaw in Round 9 against the Lions and Shannon Stowers may be needed again by the Warriors.

Rugby League Park in Christchurch is a happy hunting ground for the home side and the Canterbury Bulls will look to grab their 17th consecutive win there. With Phil Prescott the successful NZ A coach, and his Bull players going well in that game, confidence will be high.

Canterbury Bulls vs Hibiscus Coast Raiders Rugby League Park, Christchurch 6.00pm Kick Off

Canterbury Bulls: J. McDonald, P. McDonald, R. Martin, C. Fraser, R. Hanson, A. Harris, M. Clarkson, V. Whare, A. Auimatagi, A. Timo, S. Wallace, J. Manning, C. Lawrie Reserves: C. Newton, C. Herekotukutuku, P. Asi, G. Mulipola Coach: Phil Prescott

Hibiscus Coast Raiders: D. Cassidy, S. Jackson, O. Manuel, C. Shears (C), J. Vaifale, David Floyd, T. Thompson, D. Avega, C. Te Kiri, J. Asiata, W. Henare, S. Matafeo, G. Moana Reserves: T. Nikora, S. Tereora, P. Prime, G. Hau Coach: T. Benson

Sunday 11 July 2004

Otahuhu Ellerslie had a fine win over the Eastern Tornadoes in soggy conditions last weekend and once again this week have the services of Thomas Leuluai and Manu Vatuvei, both who were extremely dangerous with the ball last Saturday.

The North Harbour Tigers have managed some great wins over the competition leaders and are very capable of winning the game on Sunday away from home especially if their powerful backs manage to secure the ball.

Definitely the match of the round on Sunday between the Tigers and Otahuhu Ellerslie, a tough one to call a winner.

Otahuhu Ellerslie vs North Harbour Tigers Henham Park, Auckland 2.30pm Kick Off

Otahuhu Ellerslie: P. Atkins, D. Fisi'iahi, P. Fisi'iahi, M. Vatuvei, J. Tavaga, J. Yandall, T. Leuluai, S. Faitala (C), G. Va'afuasaga, F. Tupou, S. Tufeao, T. Frost, F. Nuuausala Reserves: R. Johnson, M. Langdon, A. Fausa, C. Green Coach: James Leuluai

North Harbour Tigers: W. Roberts, T. Samoa, K. Johnson, L. Copestake, S. Torbet, J. Golf, J. Trott, Q. Ikifana (C), D. Glasgow, J. Duff, A. Aukafalou, D. Leuila-Briggs, J. Kamareira Reserves: G. Macpherson, C. Tupou, D. Vasau, M. Reriti Coach: Karl Benson / Kenneth McIntosh

Glenora Bears host the Counties Manakau Jetz on Sunday afternoon. The Bears have come close, but no cigar on many occasions and a win would do boost their confidence sky high.

The Jetz come off a loss in the last round against the Bulls and showed they can play a tough game for 80 minutes. With them only 2 points out of the Top 5 they certainly have a lot to play for.

Glenora Bears vs Counties Manukau Jetz Harold Moody Park, Auckland 2.30pm Kick Off

Glenora Bears: T. Toailoa, C. Nahu, L. Waqa, L. Tamatoa, A. Iole, S. Ieremia, T. Papali'i, M. Toelau (C), H. Godinet, V. Mafi, K. Edmondson, V. Tutuila, C. Waide Reserves: I. Retzlaff, D. Shepherd, B. Stewart, B. Valeni Coach: Geoff Morton

Counties Manukau Jetz: L. Finnerty, J. Karatiana, P. Tafea, I. Hagaitoa, S. Foketi, J. Ioapo, A. Herangi, M. Suniula, G. Eliki, N. Su'e, T. Tuifelasai, M. Vili, W. Barnett (C) Reserves: A. Moerua, G. Leota, R. Peters, T. Ufi Coach: Dean Hunter

After a disappointing game last weekend against Otahuhu Ellerslie, the Tornadoes will be searching for some form when they play the Wellington side on Sunday afternoon at Ericsson No 2 ground.

The Wellington side has been very inconsistent, however the under 18's last weekend absolutely demolished the NSW Country U18's and this could possibly give them the boost they need if they are to get anywhere near the Top 5.

Whichever team turns up for the day mentally will take away the points, at this stage that is a toss of the coin.

Eastern Tornadoes vs Wellington Ericsson No.2, Auckland 2.30pm Kick Off

Eastern Tornadoes: Z. Luisi, N. Ngametua, D. Harriman, K. Fakalata, I. Paulo, T. Leanoa, W. Morunga, A. Lafaele, L. Lafaele, A. Leau, I. Liava'a (C), N. Pulu, S. Paeu Reserves: M. Latu, P. Menary, S. Smith, H. Rangi Coach: Boss Cecil

Wellington: J. MacDonald, T. Ioane, S. Mannering, V, Manu, M. Nathan, D. Hape, J. Carnegie, T. Lavulavu, T. Brown, F. Laumua, T. Hall, C. Savalii (C), H. Luapo Reserves: C. Fox, J. Davis, W. Weepu, I. Luke Coach: Paul Bergman

Round 10:

Saturday 10 July 2004

Central Falcons vs Mt Albert Lions Fitzherbert Park, Palmerston North 2.30pm Kick Off

Marist Richmond Brothers vs Waicoa Bay Stallions Murray Halberg Park, Auckland 2.30pm Kick Off

Canterbury Bulls vs Hibiscus Coast Raiders Rugby League Park, Christchurch 6.00pm Kick Off

Sunday 11 July 2004

Otahuhu Ellerslie vs North Harbour Tigers Henham Park, Auckland 2.30pm Kick Off

Glenora Bears vs Counties Manukau Jetz Harold Moody Park, Auckland 2.30pm Kick Off

Eastern Tornadoes vs Wellington Ericsson No.2, Auckland 2.30pm Kick Off