Bartercard Cup - Round 6 Preview

Some interesting match ups yet again in Round 6 of New Zealand's Barter Cup competition. Some predictable results maybe, but then the joy of a competition is the upsets.

First up Wellington take on the visiting Glenora Bears from Auckland. This is the curtain raiser to the NRL Canberra Raiders home clash against the NZ Warriors, so both Bartercard Cup sides will enjoy a little more exposure than they are used to. Wellington are struggling with only 2 competition points so will be hard pushed to beat Glenora who were very unlucky in the last round to come away with a draw and not a win.

Wellington: V. Apu'ula, J. Tamanika, W. Collins, T. Auva'a, N. Taumoli, S. Ratu, T. Pickering, J. Tuimaualuga, M. So'otaga, W. Teleaga, T. Hall, F. Piva, T. Gemmel; (reserves) A. Wereta, F. Saumolia, T. Lavulavu, TBC. Coach: Gerard Stokes.

Glenora Bears: T. Edwards, T. Fa'ato, A. Iole, L. Tamatoa, S. Halatoa, G. Bailey, A. Clyde, A. Pereira, K. Robarts, B. Valeni, M. Toelau, L. Toli, K. Edmondson; (reserves) J. Rua, A. Fuimaono, J. Papalii, M. Kennedy, J. Pauga (one to be omitted). Coach: Dean Hunter.

Wellington vs. Glenora Bears - WestpacTrust Stadium - Friday 23/05/03. Kick off at 5:30pm.

With one point on the competition table separating the Manuwera Marlins and Eastern Tornadoes, their game on Saturday afternoon is bound to be a thriller. With an unexpected win over the 2002 champions, Mt Albert, the Manuwera side certainly have the potential, but whether they turn up on the day will decide who wins this game as Eastern will bite them hard if they lapse.

Manurewa Marlins: B. Ingram, P. Borrel, L. Lunjevich, S. Foketi, T. Karaka, D. Hemupo, T. Matthews, T. Ufi, J. Carnegie, C. Fa'avae, A. Tusani, T. Pamatangi, S. Tupou; (reserves) D. Latele, J. Ioapo, TBC, TBC. Coach: Kelly Shelford.

Eastern Tornadoes: P. Fisiiahi, T. Fatui, W. Sua, D. Fisiiahi, N. Ngaretua, J. Noble, T. Leuluai, K. Mene, H. Rangi, E. Pele, L. Tufeao, E. Leuluai, N. Scanlon; (reserves) F. Tupou, A. Fausa, P. Leuluai, J. Pai. Coach: James Leuluai.

Manuwera Marlins vs. Eastern Tornadoes - Leebank Park - Sat. 24/05/03. Kick off at 2:30pm.

The top of the ladder Hibiscus Coast Raiders travel down the line to play the Central Falcons at home in Palmerston North. This should be another easy win for the Raiders who have looked nothing short of magical when they play.

Central Falcons: C. Paniora, S. Forbes, J. Te Vaga, W. Live, N. Coburn, B. Hekenui, D. Wilson, W. Wharepapa, D. Cook, M. Graham, J. Royal, M. Timoti, T. Clune; (reserves) J. Henderson, J. Kainuku, S. Kanavatoa, TBC. Coach: Peter Sixtus.

Hibiscus Coast Raiders: D. Floyd, J. Vaifale, S. Ata, S. Finefeuiaki, D. Jones, C. King, A. Aspin, S. Tereora, R. Wigg, P. Bidios, K. Temata, T. Raniera, T. Nikora; (reserves) C. Shears, D. Rennie, M. Heke, D. Avega. Coach: Tony Benson/Brian McClennan.

Central Falcons vs. Hibiscus Coast Raiders - Fitzherbert Park - Sat. 24/05/03. Kick off at 2:30pm.

The toughest match to call in Round 6 will be Saturday afternoon's match up between the visiting Canterbury Bulls and Marist Richmond Brothers. Equal on points, and playing with the same sort of style, both teams will be fighting hard. The only loss the Bulls have had this season is an away game, so maybe this will count against again on Saturday in a tough match.

Marist Richmond Brothers: C. Seu, H. Kapi, R. Henry, J. Tavita, T. Ropati, J. Ropati, S. Matai, T. TauaT. Latu, I. Vaaelua, H. Turua, K. Guttenbeil, S. Lavea; (reserves) S. Makisi, D. Wilson, J. Nicholson, E. Leavai. Coach: Bernie Perenara.

Canterbury Bulls: S. Wallace, E. Hei Hei, J. Taipari, L. Sione, R. Hanson, A. Harris, J. OBrien, V. Whare, S. Beyers, A. Timo, C. Newton, S. Norton, T. Wallace; (reserves) R. Martin, M. Pitama, C. Lawrie, T. Pelenise. Coach: Phil Prescott.

Marist Richmond Brothers vs. Canterbury Bulls - Grey Lynn Park - Sat. 24/05/03. Kick off 2:30pm.

An upset in the round would be if bottom of the table, Taranaki Wildcats manage to down last year's champions Mt Albert on their home turf in Auckland. Highly unlikely as although the Lions have lost a few key players from the top side of 2002, their attack and defence has still looked impressive on occasions.

Mt Albert Lions: A. Bauer, G. Rattenbury, H. Va, S. Fungapo, A. Ikihele, M. Noovao, S. Buckingham, S. Pouha, J. Fiu, P. Campbell, S. Fa'go, M. Asoau, W. McDade; (reserve) K. Wright, TBC, P. Teniseli B. Ivory,. Coach: John Ackland.

Taranaki Wildcats: B. Ngata, D. Rameka, J. Ngamotu, S. Hoskin, S. Moore, J. Hoskin, R. Luke, N. Tatupu, H. Blackburn, J. Eparaima, W. Parker, P. Heihei, K. Martin; (reserves) A. Harrison, M. Smith, D. McNamara, G. Towers. Coach: Alan Jackson.

Mt Albert Lions vs. Taranaki Wildcats - Fowlds Park - Sat. 24/05/03. Kick off at 2:30pm.

The only Sunday match in this round has the North Harbour Tigers hosting the Otahuhu Leopards. The Tigers have looked very good so far in the competition with some very near losses, and should have no problems against the Otahuhu side who have struggled.

North Harbour Tigers: K. Ganley, G. MacPherson, K. Johnson, L. Copestake, W. Roberts, K. McIntosh, C. Mataora, A. Aukafolau, Q. Ikifana, J. Duff, J. Vaotogo, G. Hau, K. Asiata; (reserves) J. Kamareiera, A. Wikitera, R. Kinkaid, R. Retimana. Coach: Karl Benson/Ken McIntosh.

Otahuhu Leopards: P. Atkins, P. Tafea, B. Vaeau, T. Laiseni, M. Katoa, T. Noovao, J. Yandall, S. Niulea, E. Mann, J. Asiata, A. Wharton, M. Vili, M. Langdon; (reserves) F. Edwards, N. Thammavongsa, K. Pittman, L. Heta. Coach: Trevor McLeod.

North Harbour Tigers vs. Otahuhu Leopards - Birkenhead Memorial Park Sun. 25/05/03. Kick off:30pm.

The round at a glance:

Wellington vs. Glenora Bears - WestpacTrust Stadium - Friday 23/05/03. Kick off at 5:30pm.

Manuwera Marlins vs. Eastern Tornadoes - Leebank Park - Sat. 24/05/03. Kick off at 2:30pm.

Central Falcons vs. Hibiscus Coast Raiders - Fitzherbert Park - Sat. 24/05/03. Kick off at 2:30pm.

Marist Richmond Brothers vs. Canterbury Bulls - Grey Lynn Park - Sat. 24/05/03. Kick off 2:30pm.

Mt Albert Lions vs. Taranaki Wildcats - Fowlds Park - Sat. 24/05/03. Kick off at 2:30pm.

North Harbour Tigers vs. Otahuhu Leopards - Birkenhead Memorial Park Sun. 25/05/03. Kick off at 2.30pm.